Big Smiles, Real Teeth

Three nations meet to beef up North America's trade treaty

WORRIED THAT GROWING OPPOSITION IN CONGRESS could imperil the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiated by President George Bush last year, the Clinton Administration has promised to put "real teeth" in side agreements to the treaty to protect the environment and workers' rights. Negotiations on those issues got under way in Washington with smiles on all sides. Yet the U.S., Mexico and Canada immediately staked out divergent positions that make a quick accord unlikely.

Clinton supports NAFTA but wants to create a three-nation commission to monitor and possibly enforce treaty compliance. Canada and especially Mexico have warned that such a commission...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!