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A recent article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution concluded "the Carter Center conference on Latin America generated solid proposals to improve cooperation through the hemisphere."

Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford lead a Q& A session with members of The Carter Center's Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government during a press conference at CNN in Atlanta. Photo Credit: Billy Howard

For two days, the "Agenda for the Americas for the 21st Century" focused on issues related to drugs, trade, arms sales, border disputes, social inequities, and the spread of democracy. Through intensive discussions, participants sought to reinvigorate action toward goals outlined at the 1994 Summit of the Americas, hosted by the United States.

The meeting's importance was clear from those in attendance. Among the 130 participants were U.S. Vice President Al Gore, U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Mexico President Ernesto Zedillo, Bolivia President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada, Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernández, and Jamaica Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations; Cesar Gaviria, secretary-general of the Organization of American States (OAS); and Enrique Iglesias, president of the International Development Bank, also attended.

"The 1994 summit defined a vision of a democratic community in the hemisphere, but little progress had been made since then," said Robert Pastor, director of the Center's Latin American and Caribbean Program and consultation coordinator. "The level of attendance at this meeting made it possible to contemplate real breakthroughs on the issues, and the candor and quality of the dialogue made them happen."

At the consultation's conclusion, the Council issued a statement on ways to promote free trade, end illegal drug trafficking, pursue peace, and reinforce democracy. Of all its recommendations, a proposal for an arms moratorium generated the most controversy as well as support.

Trade and Integration

Council members affirmed their commitment to the 1994 summit goal of a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) by the year 2005.

Free trade agreements throughout the Americas are transforming our economies and making us stronger competitors in the world workplace. --Mexico President Ernesto Zedillo

Until the U.S. Congress approves fast-track negotiating authority, no serious FTAA negotiations are possible. Congress has been deadlocked over provisions to protect labor and the environment. However, as a result of the consultation, Speaker Gingrich announced he would accept provisions to protect labor and environmental rights, provided they are trade-related.

"I am deeply dedicated to passing fast-track legislation this year," Speaker Gingrich said. "I think it will be good for America and good for the hemisphere."

Vice President Gore applauded the Council's efforts to promote the FTAA: "Forty percent of U.S. exports now go to markets in the Western Hemisphere. Our future depends greatly on seizing these opportunities."

Illegal Drug Trafficking

Regarding illegal drug trafficking, the most controversial issue was the U.S. policy of "certification," under which the United States imposes penalties against countries with anti-drug efforts it deems unsatisfactory. Latin American and Caribbean leaders said the policy was "arbitrary" and made hemispheric cooperation more difficult.

Council members suggested a multilateral approach as an alternative. Speaker Gingrich concurred: "Let us agree our goal is to wipe out the drug dealers, to wipe out the cartels, to save our children, to protect our political structures, and let us work together."

The Council has proposed a hemisphere-wide plan to Congressional leaders, who have introduced it as draft legislation.

When the threat of decertification is used as a lever to coerce agreement for a particular aspect in the fight against drugs, it is obvious the process does more harm than good. --Jamaica Prime Minister P.J. Patterson

Border Disputes and Arms Restraint

Although democracy now prevails in Latin America, border disputes—such as between Ecuador and Peru—persist. The Council proposed that the OAS secretary-general empower regional leaders and outside parties to mediate these lingering conflicts.

Currently, Latin America spends relatively less on defense than most other regions. Still, buying sophisticated weapons diverts funds from other investments, such as education. The Council urged Latin American governments to accept a two-year moratorium on purchasing weapons and meanwhile negotiate a conventional arms-restraint agreement. It also asked the United States and other arms-selling nations to affirm their support for a moratorium. Since the consultation, President Carter has written letters seeking support from other foreign leaders.

Democracy and the Social Agenda

Cuba remains the only nation in the hemisphere not to have held competitive elections. "The most appropriate and effective way to bring democracy to Cuba is through a policy of engagement rather than isolation," the Council said.

It also urged the United States to repeal or significantly modify the 1996 Helms-Burton law, noting it has generated more problems between the United States and its allies than for Cuba. "Cuba should be invited to participate in hemispheric events, provided the government is prepared to accept the standards of human rights and democracy," the Council added.

To strengthen democracy, the Council:

• Recommended that governments and parties reform campaign finance practices.
• Endorsed a free press without fear of harassment, censorship, or intimidation.
• Called on all governments to sign agreements against corruption and bribery.

After the Consultation

In early May, President Carter and Dr. Pastor met in Washington, D.C., with Speaker Gingrich and John Sweeney, president of the AFL-CIO, to talk about trade policy. President Carter and Dr. Pastor also called on Indiana Rep. Lee Hamilton, the ranking Democrat on the House International Relations Committee, to discuss his proposal to replace the U.S. "certification" policy with a multinational plan to combat illegal drugs.

Also following the consultation, President Clinton sent a letter to President Carter, pledging to respect a Latin American moratorium on arms. In addition, Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) have introduced legislation endorsing the moratorium.

"We hope an arms race can be stopped before it begins, Dr. Pastor said."