Signs of Hope for Latin America's Development

RIMINI, Italy, AUG. 31, 2003 (Zenit.org).- One of John Paul II's lay collaborators says that Latin American is showing signs of hope for development and economic growth.

According to Guzmán Carriquiry Lecour, undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, if development is to take place, North America and Europe must understand that "Latin America does not need aid, but the possibility to be able to trade in conditions of parity."

The Uruguayan, who has worked in the Vatican for 30 years, said that Argentina and Brazil recently have been demonstrating that the Latin American subcontinent can exercise the role that corresponds to it in the world economy.

In an interview with ZENIT, Carriquiry, who is the author of the recent publication "Globalization and Catholic Identity of Latin America" (Plaza & Janés), began by addressing the Argentine situation.

"Argentina is too rich to be in such a bad state," Carriquiry contended. "What is important is not to resurrect the ghosts of the past or return to the old ideological paths. At present, what matters is to face the reality."

In regard to Argentina's large foreign debts, he said that "after a period of rigidity, international institutions have understood that they must cooperate. Prescriptions that are too rigid do not work. More flexibility is needed. An agreement with the International Monetary Fund is confidently awaited to give decided support to Argentina."

Regarding Brazil and the task of its president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Carriquiry said: "He seems to have set aside the ideological path to adopt moderate economic realism, addressing the many problems in a concrete way," and "to relaunch development and cooperation within Mercosur."

"Latin America as a whole faces important appointments," he said. The "first affects negotiations in favor of a free trade area, which will extend from Canada to Tierra del Fuego. The second affects the negotiations with the European Union."

"Latin America is calling for a greater liberalization of markets and a lowering of tariffs, especially in regard to agricultural products," Carriquiry explained.

"Latin America does not need aid but the possibility to be able to trade in conditions of parity," he said. For this to happen, "it is necessary to overcome the protectionist temptations which are predominant, especially in Europe."