Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live At Daybreak

President Bush Heading to Monterrey, Mexico

Aired January 12, 2004 - 05:17   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush is heading to Monterrey, Mexico today to take part in the Summit of the Americas meeting. The leaders of more than 30 other nations will be there, too.
As we learn from our Harris Whitbeck, the main focus will be trade.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): One day before the start of the special Summit of the Americas, lots of security in Monterrey, Mexico, sporadic protests and some discord among the foreign ministers who have written the document to be signed by 34 hemispheric heads of state at the summit's conclusion.

The declaration contained language on the implementation of the Free Trade Accord of the Americas and Brazil and Venezuela were opposed to that topic being included.

When the heads of state meet on Monday, they will have to decide on what topics to include in the document. Some analysts fear too much talk of free trade will draw attention away from other more pressing issues like democracy.

MIGUEL DIAZ, CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES: I think that the summiteers should focus on some of the other issues that have been marginalized over the last few years, issues about democracy, the health of democracy in Latin America.

WHITBECK: Representatives of non-governmental organizations and civilian society who were allowed to present their views say they still feel they won't really be taken into account. "It is hard to have a serious discussion or participate actively if you do not have enough access," Mexican activist Roman Aceves says.

Even so, the special summit is generating interest.

(on camera): Particularly in how U.S. President George W. Bush is received. Bush tried to set the stage for a warm reception by proposing to legalize the status of millions of illegal migrants in the U.S. But Bush will face opposition from some Latin American leaders, who say the U.S. has gone too far in implementing what they consider to be heavy-handed counter-terrorism measures.

Harris Whitbeck, CNN, Monterrey, Mexico.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com






Aired January 12, 2004 - 05:17   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush is heading to Monterrey, Mexico today to take part in the Summit of the Americas meeting. The leaders of more than 30 other nations will be there, too.
As we learn from our Harris Whitbeck, the main focus will be trade.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): One day before the start of the special Summit of the Americas, lots of security in Monterrey, Mexico, sporadic protests and some discord among the foreign ministers who have written the document to be signed by 34 hemispheric heads of state at the summit's conclusion.

The declaration contained language on the implementation of the Free Trade Accord of the Americas and Brazil and Venezuela were opposed to that topic being included.

When the heads of state meet on Monday, they will have to decide on what topics to include in the document. Some analysts fear too much talk of free trade will draw attention away from other more pressing issues like democracy.

MIGUEL DIAZ, CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES: I think that the summiteers should focus on some of the other issues that have been marginalized over the last few years, issues about democracy, the health of democracy in Latin America.

WHITBECK: Representatives of non-governmental organizations and civilian society who were allowed to present their views say they still feel they won't really be taken into account. "It is hard to have a serious discussion or participate actively if you do not have enough access," Mexican activist Roman Aceves says.

Even so, the special summit is generating interest.

(on camera): Particularly in how U.S. President George W. Bush is received. Bush tried to set the stage for a warm reception by proposing to legalize the status of millions of illegal migrants in the U.S. But Bush will face opposition from some Latin American leaders, who say the U.S. has gone too far in implementing what they consider to be heavy-handed counter-terrorism measures.

Harris Whitbeck, CNN, Monterrey, Mexico.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com