Ben Cardin: “I rise today to voice a significant concern with regard to the proposed Free Trade Agreement between the United States…”

“I rise today to voice a significant concern with regard to the proposed Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Morocco. While this is a concern specific to Morocco, it highlights a broader issue that I and many of my colleagues share in regard to the pace and ``individuality'' of the many bilateral FTAs being negotiated by the USTR. Reviewing the February 25, 2004 State Department Country Report on Human Rights for Morocco, I came across several issues. The report highlights a series of human rights abuses in Morocco and I believe these unacceptable practices need to be a priority of the United States as it builds and strengthens its long-standing ties with Morocco. I was greatly concerned with an issue that comes up several times in the report. To quote one sentence: ``The judiciary lacked independence and was subject to government influence and corruption.'' As I assume we can all agree, the lack of an independent judiciary and corruption are significant, fundamental barriers to the development of a sound, growing trade relationship.”