Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)

Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) Negotiations

Question: What progress has been made on the Free Trade Area of the Americas?

Answer: The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) remains a priority for the United States and is an important part of our global, regional and bilateral trade agenda.

Acting U.S. Trade Representative Peter Allgeier met with his Brazilian Co-Chair, Ambassador Bahadian, on February 23 and 24 to discuss how to advance the negotiations.

The meetings were quite constructive and we feel the differences are being narrowed. The Co-chairs have agreed to meet again on March 29 and 30.

The goal is to narrow the differences enough to reconvene the Free Trade Area of the Americas vice ministers meeting in April or May. 2005/279

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 4, 2005 Question Taken at March 3, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

President Karzai and Abdurrashid Dostam

Afghanistan: Security for President Karzai and Abdurrashid Dostam

Question: Is the Bureau of Diplomatic Security protecting President Karzai?

Answer: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security has provided security for President Karzai since November 2002 at the direction of the Secretary of State. President Karzai’s security detail is comprised of Diplomatic Security special agents, private U.S. contractors, and Afghan civilian security personnel.

Question: What contact will the Bureau of Diplomatic Security have with Mr. Dostam?

Answer: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security does not expect to have any contact with Mr. Dostam in his role as President Karzai’s Chief of Staff for Military Affairs.

2005/277

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 3, 2005 Question Taken At March 3, 2005 Daily Press Briefing