Our America is full of present and we can not turn our back on it. We are a new world above all because ours is a continent of promise and opportunities and because we harbor the hope for justice, a hope that is assured us by the prevalence of the democratic system. It has not always been so. In the second half of the 20th century a considerable portion of this continent was plagued by authoritarian regimes or practices that suppressed democracy in the name of freedom and violated the most basic freedoms in the name of democracy. Our aim must be a Community of the Americas.
Trade is one instrument at our disposal.
The progressive elimination of barriers to trade can play a decisive role in opening up opportunities for economic growth and for doing away with inequalities. Otherwise, it would be irrelevant or, worse, undesirable. If we have the wisdom to do it well, FTAA may mean progress in the promotion of development and social justice. Turning this vision into a reality depends on us, our work and decisions. The thousands of demonstrators on Quebec streets expect this from us.