Making the Pitch For Free Trade

Clinton says Brazil and U.S. have 'special ability and responsibility to lead'

BRASILIA, Brazil (AllPolitics, Oct. 14) -- President Bill Clinton today made a strong pitch for free trade -- and for the authority to more easily negotiate trade agreements -- at a news conference here with Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

Clinton was greeted warmly today by Cardoso, who told an outdoor gathering of reporters and government officials that the two leaders share a commitment to education and environmental issues. Before addressing the small crowd, the two men signed an education pact that champions standards and a commitment to technology.

Leading the president's agenda, however, was rallying support for free trade.

"Brazil and the United States share a fundamental belief that opening the markets of our hemisphere to trade and investment is the best way to create good jobs and strengthen democracy and cooperation," Clinton said. (576K wav sound)

"Because we have the largest economies and the most diverse populations in the hemisphere, Brazil and the U.S. have both a special ability and responsibility to lead the Americas into the 21st century," the president said.

Cardoso backs liberalized trade, but Clinton faces opposition back home from Democratic lawmakers who oppose giving him so-called "fast-track" authority, which would only allow Congress an up-or-down vote on trade deals that the president negotiates.

Both leaders stressed that open trade would benefit all parties. "It's going to be integration that will exclude no countries, no segment within countries. Integration is designed to improve the standard of living of the people who integrate," Cardoso said.

On an issue that is politically volatile both at home and abroad -- global warming -- Clinton said, "What we want to do is to find a way for the developing countries to fulfill their responsibilities ... recognizing that those of us in the developed countries must do more. And we want to be very explicit that any participation on your part would not come at the expense of economic growth." (448K wav sound)

Clinton's visit was marred by embarrassment over a U.S. Embassy commercial guide posted on the Internet described corruption in Brazil as "endemic."

"I regret very much that it happened," Clinton said. "I can only ask the Brazilian people not to infer that that is the feeling of either the government, or more importantly, the people of the United States for Brazil."

Asked by a reporter if he was embarrassed that campaign fund-raising questions were following him abroad, Clinton said, "I can't be embarrassed by other people's judgments. I have no control over what you decide to ask about. That's your decision, not mine."

After today's meetings with Cardoso, Clinton planned to tour the "Vila Olimpica," Olympic Village, a project to alleviate slum conditions. After stops in the Brazilian cities Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the president will travel to Argentina later this week.

In Other News:

Tuesday Oct. 14, 1997

• Reno Wants More Time For Clinton Probe
• Clinton Uses Line-Item Veto On Defense Bill
• Paula Jones' Relatives Give Depositions
• Making The Pitch For Free Trade

E-mail From Washington:
• Teamsters Witnesses Tell Congress About Pressure To Give To Carey

FDCH Transcripts:
• Clinton Holds News Conference With Brazilian President