MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Kirchner: Argentina urgently needs “world reinsertion”

Argentine President Nestor Kirchner in his March 1st speech to Congress said Argentina urgently needs to reinsert itself in the globalized world and occupy its own place, balanced and dignified, acting in a credible and reliable manner.

"Because of our own problems Argentina is virtually out of the globalized world, subject to the most diverse pressures and in a weak position, running the risk of definitively falling behind the most developed countries", stressed Mr. Kirchner.

After admitting the pre-eminence of "an only hegemonic superpower", the Argentine president said old parameters have collapsed and the new reference pillars of international relations have yet to emerge; the old thinking is incapable of understanding the new reality and international institutions weaken as they can't find their new role.

However this should not make Argentine overlook its national interests, specific issues "such as the sovereignty claim over the Islas Malvinas", which are part of the state policies "we must all defend".

"As long as we can consolidate a national sustainable development model with equity in the framework of democracy and respect for human rights, a dignified integration with the (globalized) world is possible".

Since peace and (economic) development can mutually interact and reinforce each other, "we are trying to integrate the world based on balanced, sovereign and independent relations with the purpose of strengthening (world) peace and security sustained in International Law, multilateralism, respect for people's self determination and defence of human rights".

But Mr. Kirchner also pointed out that correcting the insertion problems of developing countries in the international economy is essential for generating consensus and stability. "These are indispensable elements to reduce the level of world conflicts".

"The path leading to the strengthening of domestic consumption in developing countries and favouring a symmetrical opening of international markets will contribute to that objective", added Mr. Kirchner.

Further on he emphasized Argentina's commitment to a strong and wider Mercosur and questioned the United States sponsored Free Trade Association of the Americas.

"An agreement is possible if it recognizes diversities and permits mutual benefits, an agreement can't be a one way road, with prosperity in an only direction", and if current asymmetries are not addressed they "will deepen injustice and crack our economies".

The subsistence of tariff barriers, covert barriers, subsidies and protectionism in central countries blocks international trade and is a paramount obstacle for expansion in developing countries highlighted the Argentine president.