[Ip-health] Oxfam Decries U.S. Pressure on Guatemala to Repeal Medicines Law; U.S. Pushes for Unpopular Change as Part of CAFTA Campaign

[Mike Palmedo]

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=44415

Oxfam Decries U.S. Pressure on Guatemala to Repeal Medicines Law; U.S.
Pushes for Unpopular Change as Part of CAFTA Campaign

3/16/2005 10:02:00 AM

To: National Desk

Contact: Laura Rusu of Oxfam America, 202-496-3620 or 202-459-3739, Web:
http://www.oxfamamerica.org

WASHINGTON, March 16 /U.S. Newswire/ -- International agency Oxfam
America is deeply concerned about U.S. pressure exerted on Guatemala to
repeal a law to improve public health as a condition for approving
CAFTA. Widespread public opposition catalyzed in recent days, as
Guatemalans took to the streets to express their concern over CAFTA's
impact on their livelihoods and access to health care.

"As ratified, CAFTA unduly extends the monopoly period enjoyed by
international pharmaceutical companies and potentially hinders
Guatemalans' access to important life-saving drugs at affordable
prices," said Stephanie Weinberg, Oxfam America's Policy Advisor. "Trade
agreements should offer economic opportunity and development, not
impediments to public health."

Health groups in Guatemala, supported by international agencies such as
the Pan-American Health Organization and UNICEF, supported legislation
that allowed greater competition from generic drug companies as a method
of reducing drug costs in a sustainable way. The law passed by an
overwhelming majority in the Guatemalan Congress late last year.
Although the Guatemalan legislation complies with international
intellectual property laws established by the World Trade Organization,
the US Trade Representative insisted that the law would be in violation
of CAFTA provisions and pressured Guatemala to repeal it. The law was
repealed, paving the way for Guatemala's ratification of CAFTA, which
took place last week. CAFTA has yet to be ratified by the U.S.

"U.S. bullying may have convinced the Guatemalan Congress to repeal
legislation that made medicines more accessible, but it has failed to
convince the Guatemalan public that CAFTA is in their best interest,"
said Weinberg. "US lawmakers should take note. Recent demonstrations
indicate strong public concern that CAFTA poses a threat to the
livelihoods and health of millions of poor people in Guatemala and the
region."

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Oxfam America is dedicated to finding long-term solutions to poverty,
hunger and social injustice around the world.