In the end, elections in the hemisphere will produce governments with which the US will share more in common than not. The trick will be to remain engaged with those governments as they tackle the difficult problems of addressing structural poverty, exclusion, and inequality with respect for democratic institutions and rights.

Speaking at the 35th Washington Conference on the Americas, Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, discusses the connection between security and economic growth. Rumsfeld explains the steps that have been taken throughout the Americas to combat criminal activities that weaken security and accordingly weaken the economy.

By electing Mr. Berger, Guatemalans voted for their future, not their past. Now is the time for the United States to come alongside Guatemalans and do the same.

Trade is not a panacea, but it remains the best tool we have to support economic growth, democracy, and a new strategic partnership in the hemisphere.

At the 25th Washington Conference on the Americas, Thomas Mclarty, Counselor to the President, discussed, among many others, trade, hemispheric unification, sustainable development, and crime prevention. Mclarty explained how the government planned on reaching the goals set by the Summit of the Americas.