PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OF URUGUAY

Press Briefing

PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OF URUGUAY

The President of Uruguay, Jorge Batlle, speaking at a Headquarters press conference today, stressed the importance of regional financial cooperation in the Americas.

When asked how the result of the impending United States elections could affect relations between Uruguay and the United States, Mr. Batlle said he was confident that both candidates would support moves towards free trade for the Americas. Presidential candidate, United States Vice President Al Gore, had endorsed the negotiations commenced by President Clinton, and his opponent, candidate George W. Bush, had made several statements in support of free trade in the Americas. Both candidates were well aware of the need for regional cooperation.

The circumstances in Colombia provided an example of the potential benefits for inter-American cooperation. Financial cooperation could play an important role in the success of efforts to solve that country’s problems, and as all countries were inter-linked, if the situation in Colombia improved, the positive effects would be felt throughout the region.

Asked about Cuba and regional cooperation, President Batlle explained that the situation between the United States and Cuba was not unlike a game of chess, and very interesting from a political viewpoint. The solution could be found through an approach that included all the countries of the Americas. No one should be excluded. If the two chess players would not make a move, it was up to the rest of the region to find a solution.

In response to a question about financing the United Nations, he explained that Uruguay was not in a position to increase its contribution at present, due to the increase in oil prices and the recent rise in interest rates. However, Uruguay could and would continue to participate in peacekeeping missions when it was called upon to do so. It had most recently participated in the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).

Asked about trade relations with Mexico, President Batlle said that the Mexican reluctance to import cattle from Uruguay was understandable. Mexico had made a concerted effort to rid itself of hoof and mouth disease through widespread vaccinations, and, as a consequence, could now engage in trade with North America -- trade Mexico did not want to jeopardize. However, there was no hoof and mouth disease in Uruguay and so no vaccination campaign had been necessary. Mexican inspectors had been invited to Uruguay to observe the situation, and authorization to recommence exports of cattle should follow that visit.

* *** *