Press Releases

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick

Deputy Secretary Zoellick to Travel to Guatemala, Nicaragua and Brazil

October 3 - 7, 2005

Washington, September 28, 2005

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick will travel to Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Brazil October 3 – 7 to discuss bilateral relations as well as hemispheric priorities of strengthening and expanding democracy, fighting corruption and promoting greater economic growth and prosperity.

"I look forward to visiting Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Brazil and hearing the views of government officials, legislators and leaders of the civil and business communities as to how we can work together to promote democracy, prosperity and opportunity in our Hemisphere," said Zoellick.

In Nicaragua, Zoellick will meet with President Bolanos and senior government officials, along with leaders of various political parties, and with leaders of pro-democracy citizen groups that are opposing the attempted subversion of Nicaraguan democracy. He will also meet with Dante Caputo, the OAS special envoy, who is working to mediate Nicaragua’s political crisis.

"The United States believes the roots of democracy that have taken hold in Nicaragua must continue to be nurtured and strengthened. We support the Bolanos administration and oppose anti-democratic efforts to intimidate the government. I look forward to a dialogue with those who are committed to Nicaragua’s democracy and who oppose corruption," said Zoellick.

In Brazil, Zoellick will meet senior government officials, along with opinion leaders. In addition he will announce the selections within the Embassy’s 2006 Youth Ambassadors program.

"As two large and vibrant democracies, Brazil and the United States share many goals, and we value our friendship and good relations. Brazil has taken a leadership role in stabilizing Haiti, and I look forward to discussing how the United States and Brazil can work together to strengthen democracies throughout the region," added Zoellick.

In Guatemala, Zoellick will meet with President Berger and senior government officials, participate in a discussion with members of civil society, and will tour a manufacturing facility that uses U.S. inputs and which will benefit from the U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Guatemala and the United States have both ratified CAFTA, and it is scheduled to come into force on January 1 between the countries that have ratified it.

"I want to hear from Guatemalans about how they see CAFTA’s implementation, along with other reforms, as part of their efforts to promote economic growth as well as strengthening their society," said Zoellick.

Zoellick will be in Guatemala on Monday, October 3; Nicaragua on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 4 and 5; and, in Brazil on Thursday, October 6.

Nicaragua and Costa Rica have not ratified CAFTA. The United States, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic have ratified CAFTA.