FTA Keeps Guatemala Minister in Dock
The Guatemalan Congress began its second day of questioning Economy Minister Marcio Cuevas Thursday, on the basis and effects of the free trade agreement with the United States.

During the four-hour session on Tuesday, Cuevas was not able clear away congressional doubts on vital matters, such as the possible damages of the FTA for the national economy.

According to the minister of Economy, the FTA will generate over 10,000 jobs, which was considered irrelevant by Deputy Alba Estela Maldonado considering the number of informal workers expected to lose their jobs.

Nearly 800,000 Guatemalans survive by the sale of pirated CDs, and replicas of clothes, shoes and other US products which, besides being prohibited by the FTA, will carry jail terms.

Cuevas´ responses today are important as influential financial institutions will decide whether to support the commercial agreement depending on the responses provided by the official.

The Constitutional Court will hold a public audience on May 11 in response to a protection resource, presented by 30 progressive, farmer and popular organizations, denouncing the secretive way the FTA has been negotiated and demanding a referendum.