Brasília, November 19, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - "The FTAA is inevitable." This declaration was made last night by the president of the Commission of Mercosur Representatives, Eduardo Duhalde, following a meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

According to Duhalde, the process of continental integration is inevitable. The question is how and when. The ex-President of Argentina availed himself of the theme to criticize the protectionism imposed by the countries of North America, affirming that this practice causes enormous harm to the Mercosur. He pointed out that it is necessary to protect the agricultural production of the common market and that unity among its members is the best way to do this.

During the meeting with Lula, the joint decision by Brazil and Argentina to accelerate the integration of the Mercosur was discussed. Duhalde was given the assignment of negotiating with the Presidents of Uruguay and Paraguay. Another topic they broached was the political situation in Bolivia. The two leaders agreed on the need to help in the consolidation of democracy in that Andean country.

The President of Brazil invited the ex-President of Argentina to accompany him on his trip to the Arab countries, which should occur in the first week of December. Duhalde accepted the invitation. (DAS)