Addressing AS/COA members on October 22, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns discussed White House policy toward Latin America, particularly Bogotá. "The U.S. finds itself at a crucial crossroads in our relations with Colombia," said Burns, emphasizing the need for trade deals with that country, Peru, and Panama. 

The Bush administration continues to urge congressional approval of free-trade agreements with Peru, Colombia, and Panama. But while action on the Peru deal appears imminent, the Colombia and Panama deals face obstacles. A new AS/COA update outlines congressional action on the agreements.

In a recent referendum, Costa Ricans narrowly voted in favor of joining the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement. Costa Rica,the first country to hold a public vote on whether to join, was deeply divided. During AS/COA's Latin American Cities Conference in San Salvador, participants discussed DR-CAFTA as an engine for Central American economic growth. 

In a Latin Business Chronicle op-ed, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper notes his country's ongoing free trade negotiations with Colombia and expresses concern over delays in U.S. approval of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

In an op-ed to the Miami Herald, Senator Richard Lugar urges Congress to support Colombia's efforts to boost security by passing free-trade legislation.

Congress has begun consideration of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, and a decision on its approval is expected by the end of October. A new congressional update takes a look at action on the deal, possibilities for similar agreements with Panama and Colombia, and a U.S. proposal for a new hemispheric aid initiative.

In the latest edition of Poder magazine, COA's Eric Farnsworth and Monica Guevara take a look at how Canada is expanding its reach and influence in Latin America at a time when the U.S. political establishment is divided over hemispheric priorities.