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CNN Sunday Morning

Summit of the Americas Leaders Finishing Trade Agreement Outline

Aired April 22, 2001 - 09:04   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.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: In Quebec City, hemispheric leaders are putting the finishing touches on the outline of a historic trade agreement as the Summit of the Americas winds down.

Protesters are planning a noisy conclusion to three days of the sometimes violent demonstrations.

CNN's Kelly Wallace has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For the second day in a row, sporadic clashes between rock-throwing demonstrators and police in riot gear. Protesters again trying to make their way into the closed off summit site and officers responding with tear gas and a new weapon.

But thousands took a more peaceful approach, marching to say that open markets only benefit big business.

Despite the protest, the host of this 34-nation summit declared the gathering a success, even before it ended.

JEAN CHRETIEN, PRIME MINISTER, CANADA: We knew that there was to be some people who are to come and try to stop us, but look at what happened. We've discussed democracy, we have a close (sic) on democracy.

WALLACE: The Quebec Declaration, which the leaders will sign today, will state that only democratic nations can participate in any future free-trade zone in the Americas.

There were gestures to those who worry about globalization. Trade ministers met with groups who want any agreement to uphold labor and environmental standards and President Bush said he is committed to protecting workers and the environment, but he also drew this line in the sand.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: But I don't want those labor protections to be used to destroy a free-trade agreement.

(END VIDEOTAPE) WALLACE: But, in a concession to those opposed to global trade, for the first time, a draft of this trade accord for the Americas will be made public later today, giving a chance to those with concerns to weigh-in on the process. The leaders of these 34 nations, though, face a lot of work ahead if they want to get a free-trade deal for the Americas by 2005 -- Miles.

O'BRIEN: CNN's Kelly Wallace in Quebec City -- Kyra.

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