US urged to act on FTA with Thailand
All Headline News | June 12, 2006
U.S. Urged To Act On FTA With Thailand
Josephine Roque - All Headline News Contributor
Kuala Lumpur (AHN) — Due to recent major political volatility, a senior U.S. negotiator is warning Washington to act fast in signing a free trade pact (FTA) with Thailand.
U.S. Assistant Trade Representative for Asia-Pacific Barbara Weisel, who is leading negotiations with Thailand, said a successful conclusion to the stalled talks will depend on how fast a new government is in place in Bangkok reports the AP.
The most recent election won by the ruling Thai Rak Thai party of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was proclaimed void. New elections are scheduled for October 15.
"We’ve been in discussions with the Thais about keeping the momentum going on these negotiations while the government is in caretaker mode," Weisel told AP.
