business

Obama advisor talks about trade agreement

David Mesa/La Prensa

Experience:Peter Romero headed the bureau responsible for the conduct of U.S. foreign relations with Central and South America, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean.1052121

Peter Romero, who served as Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs under President Clinton and who recently joined Barack Obama's presidential campaign team, gave an exclusive interview to La Prensa yesterday in which he spoke briefly about the pending U.S.-Panama free trade agreement and the relationship between the U.S. and Panama if Obama is elected president.

In your judgement, what is the future of the free trade agreement between the U.S. and Panama?

There is only one big problem: the election of Pedro Miguel González as president of the Asamblea Nacional. But I understand that he will leave in September. There is a small window for ratifying the treaty, after the elections in November and before Congress goes into recess. It would be approved in late November or the first week of December. Then Panama's enemy will be the clock, because Congress will have a very busy agenda.

What will happen if it isn't ratified?

There will be a significant delay that could last at least six months, maybe more. Obama has said that he will review all treaties. . .Panama is in line. That will take some time. With McCain, will, he will have to negotiate with both Houses dominated by Democrats, and they are going to continue insisting on a high price in terms of other programs and benefits.

What will an Obama presidency be like for Panama?

He fully appreciates Panama's strategic position. He takes into account the history of friendship. I see deeper relations.

And a McCain presidency?

He undoubtedly knows the importance of the relationship between the two countries. He is inclined to ratify the trade treaty