WASHINGTON-Negotiators in Geneva appeared poised to reach a free trade agreement on telecommunications services by Saturday’s midnight deadline, despite infighting in Congress and indications that several countries remained unwilling to open their markets completely.
The United States, which pulled out of telecom free trade talks last April because of frustration over the lack of market-opening proposals by other nations, appeared to be in position to make or break the global trade accord. About 130 nations from the World Trade Organization met last week hoping to reach an unprecedented deal.
Canada, South Korea and Mexico reportedly wanted to keep foreign ownership caps in place.
Meanwhile, members of Congress debated whether the United States had the authority to sign an agreement to open America’s telecom market, the largest in the world, without considering changes to current law that limits foreign ownership to 25 percent.
A movement, led by Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), opposes the United States signing an agreement before Congress considers implementing legislation. Hollings threatened to derail President Clinton’s nomination of Charlene Barshefsky to U.S. trade representative if the United States signs an agreement.
Another faction, which includes Reps. Thomas Bliley (R-Va.), Mike Oxley (R-Ohio) and Billy Tauzin (R-La.), supports Barshefsky and argues she has the authority to go forward absent legislation.
