As representatives of religious institutions and faith-based organizations with extensive global relationships and concern, we oppose the pending U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). International trade and investment activities should advance the common good and be evaluated in light of their impact on those who are most vulnerable, including Afro-Colombian and Indigenous peoples. The U.S.-Colombia FTA fails these tests.

"Maria Riley, O.P., Coordinator of the Global Women's Project at the Center, welcomes the Bush Administration's hypocritical decision on steel tariffs as a rare honest Moment of Truth for global policies that impact billions of people. All trade is Managed Trade and should be managed for the global common good and pro-poor development."