MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Crucial week in US Congress for CAFTA

The White House urged the House of Representatives the approval this week of the Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Association, CAFTA, before the summer recess which will extend the whole of August.

"We have several important and pressing priorities in which Congress is working before going home for the summer recess. We've been working closely with Congress on these priorities", said White House spokesperson Scott McClellan who identified priorities as CAFTA and highways and energy legislation.

"CAFTA is an important initiative which will help balance conditions and open a large market for our farmers and manufacturers", added McClellan who recalled President Bush's speech before the Organization of American States, OAS, last week where he emphasized the governance and democratic consolidation side of the free trade agreement with Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic.

"We want to play a role in supporting young and emerging democracies in Central America and give evidence of our support. This is a very significant initiative", said the White House spokesperson.

"The President has been busy talking to Lower House members urging them to approve the agreement", he emphasized.

CAFTA already passed the Senate and needs the House of Representatives vote to have the bill ratified.

Lower House leader Tom DeLay anticipated the vote would be taking place this week, but apparently it has not yet been included in the agenda because, according to the Democrats, the Bush administration is still short of the necessary votes.

CAFTA is considered vital for Washington's strategic interests in Central American and the Caribbean basin, an area historically under US influence.