Latin American Nations
Targeted in the FY 2006 Foreign Ops

Under the FY 2006 Foreign aid spending bill, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay and Venezuela stand to lose $30.3 million in U.S. ESF money combined.

Mexico recently became the 100th country to ratify the Rome Statute for the ICC, and, because of this ratification, it stands to lose $11.5 million in FY 2006 ESF aid. This aid, according to the U.S. State Department, will specifically be used to “promote democracy and improved economic competitiveness by strengthening the rule of law and supporting greater transparency and accountability in government.

Funds will be used for technical assistance and training to support civil and criminal justice reform, greater respect for human rights, and greater access to justice for disadvantaged populations in selected states.”

• The State Department describes Mexico as lending “unprecedented cooperation in such areas as immigration, law enforcement and counter narcotics, hemispheric affairs, and trade and investment expansion."

 Mexico is the United States’ second largest trading partner.

In FY 2006, Brazil stands to lose $750,000 in ESF aid. Brazil has the largest economy in South America and is home to significant U.S. investment. The U.S. and Brazil frequently cooperate effectively on numerous issues, including promoting democratic values and stability in the region, as well as combating international crime.

• According to the U.S. State Department, “U.S. national interests in Brazil include the promotion of sustainable economic growth and regional stability, expansion of free trade, control of international crime, terrorism and drug trafficking, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and reduction of infectious disease.”

Peru stands to lose $8 million in FY 2006 ESF aid. These funds are critical for the country’s efforts to decrease coca production, as well as promote democracy by enhancing local governance. Most importantly, a part of the ESF slated for Peru is to assist the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission for human rights abuses committed under its former regime.

• The State Department states that the U.S.’s “ability to see eye to eye on such issues as counterterrorism, economic reform, democratic integration and counter narcotics has led to one of the highest points”  in the Peru-U.S. relationship.

Ecuador stands to lose $7 million in FY 2006 ESF aid. This is a country with a per capita annual income of $1,600. Ecuador needs this assistance to combat drug trafficking, strengthen its democratic institutions, fight corruption and foster economic development.

• Ecuador is described by the U.S. State Department as “a staunch counter-drug ally of the United States.”

Aside from consolidating democracy and fortifying the open market system, Paraguay is an important U.S. partner in the fight against terrorism. Paraguay, however, stands to lose $2.55 million in FY 2006 ESF aid.

• This aid, according to the U.S. State Department is intended to “strengthen the capacity of private and public sectors, fight corruption, and demand reforms. ESF will promote democracy by strengthening civil society, encouraging anti-corruption reforms, and supporting democratic political parties.”
   

Venezuela stands to lose $500,000 in FY 2006 ESF aid. Venezuela would use these funds to strengthen democratic institutions, promote the rule of law and respect for human rights, and ensure free, fair and transparent presidential elections in 2006.

• According to the State Department, “Venezuela is a leading supplier of foreign oil to the United States and host to considerable U.S. investment.”
   

November 15, 2005

background information

ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUNDS promote America’s foreign policy interests by providing assistance to key U.S. allies and countries in democratic transition. The fund assists Middle East peace negotiations and finances economic stabilization programs, often in a multi-donor context.
+ ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND

BILATERAL IMMUNITY AGREEMENTS otherwise referred to as Article 98 agreements, prohibit states that are party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) from sending any U.S. personnel to the Court. Since the summer of 2002, the Bush Administration has sought to conclude bilateral immunity agreements with every country in the world.
+ SUMMARY OF BILATERAL IMMUNITY AGREEMENTS
+ TEXT OF A BIA (PDF)

the INTERNATIONAL criminal COURT is the only permanent international court capable of trying individuals accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when there is no other recourse for justice.
+ BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE ICC
+ CURRENT ICC CASES

+ MORE ICC RESOURCES