Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Soledad Alvear praised US House of Representatives approval of the Trade Promotion Authority, TPA, or fast track, as it was described during the Clinton administration years
After completing the first of two rounds of a massive debt swap, that Argentine government officials described as a resounding success, Argentina restricted money withdrawals to impede a continuing loss of bank deposits and in preparation for discussions with grumbling international investors.
The Chilean peso experienced a strong recovery this week against the United States dollar and now quotes as before the terrorist attacks of September 11th., that is 670 pesos to the dollar.
With aides promising a quick return to politics and a bid for a third presidential term, former president Carlos Menem recovered this Tuesday his freedom after spending several months in house arrest for his alleged involvement in arms smuggling to Croatia and Ecuador in violation of international agreements.
Mercosur country members consider the recent WTO summit in Qatar as positive since prospects for agriculture are encouraging, following the export subsidies progressive elimination agreement.
This Monday Argentina sets off the first stage of the bonds swap operation addressed to lower interest payments with an expected 2,5 billion US dollars saving in 2002 and avoid defaulting on foreign loans.
The International Monetary Fund lowered the world's growth estimate for this year to just 2,4%, which many economists consider a recession since it's below 2,5%.
US Congress Democrat Senate leader Tom Daschle confirmed this week in Washington that legislation giving the Executive power to negotiate new trade deals without the threat of congressional amendments, (fast track) will not be approved this year.