Bávaro (Dominican Republic), November 18, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, speaking at the Iberian-American Summit, said that although the final document of the summit did not contain a formal condemnation of protectionism as practiced by European nations, because of opposition from Spain and Portugal, he had a message: Brazil condemns farm subsidies in Europe and wants more attention to the South American market.

Cardoso called the subsidies and lack of perspectives for negotiations in the near future an outdated position stemming from fear of South American quality and competitivity. "The tendency in a globalized world is to open markets, not close them," he concluded. (AB)