Ecuador Risks Trade Problems With U.S. if It Grants Asylum to Snowden

[Cali_Democrat]

QUITO, Ecuador — President Rafael Correa of Ecuador has more than just the ire of United States to consider as he weighs an asylum request from Edward J. Snowden, the fugitive intelligence contractor trying to dodge American authorities.

Mr. Correa has some tangible factors to think about as well — namely Ecuadorean exports like fresh-cut roses and frozen broccoli.

In recent months, Mr. Correa’s government has been in Washington, lobbying to retain preferential treatment for some key Ecuadorean products. But that favored status, which means keeping thousands of jobs in Ecuador and cheaper goods for American consumers, could be among the first casualties if Mr. Correa grants asylum to Mr. Snowden.

While the downside for Ecuadorean rose growers, artichoke canners and tuna fishermen (whose products also get preferential treatment) is clear, the material benefits of granting asylum to Mr. Snowden are far less so. The decision could ultimately rest on the combative personality of Mr. Correa and his regional ambitions.

“The risks are enormous,” said Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, a policy group in Washington. Referring to Mr. Correa, he said, “It would bring the United States down very hard on him.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/world/americas/ecuador-courts-trade-problems-with-us-if-it-grants-snowden-asylum.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

[Enrique]

1. they'll get added to the Axis of Evil n/t

[Puglover]

2. When the US quits being a hypocritical bully

and extradites the bankers that Ecuador has asked to be extradited I might take this bullcrap seriously.

Whoever Michael Shifter might be.

[msongs]

3. no wonder US policies are the best recruiters for terrorists eh nt

[JaneyVee]

4. Talk about hypocritical:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/rosiegray/exclusive-documents-illuminate-ecuadors-spying-practices

[Puglover]

5. Yeah so?

Not sure about the point of your post. All governments are hypocritical. It goes with the territory. However when the US huffs and puffs and starts to threaten sanctions for Ecuador doing the EXACT thing they are doing IMHO that is pretty rich. I enjoy irony.

On edit: In fairness to the US this looks more like an OP rather then something from a government official.

[railsback]

6. I've been noting this for a while now

that the renewal of ATPDEA (end of July) comes at the most inopportune time for the fugitive Snowden. Yet still, the Snowden lovers insists that Correa would risk throwing thousands of Ecuadorian livelihoods under the bus to accommodate a thief seeking asylum. Just goes to show how illogical and out of touch with reality the Snowden bandwagon really is.

Correa, like most Central/South American populist leaders, has an image to uphold. The sovereignty bravado is what's expected to strengthen the socialism. But Correa is NOT FUCKING STUPID. He has a country to run, and impoverished people to take care of. And lo and behold, what was the official statement today from Ecuador? 'IT COULD TAKE MONTHS to grant Snowden asylum'. LoL.

Get over it.

[Ichingcarpenter]

7. America the Bully

speak loudly and carry a big stick

I don't like the new diplomacy that hurts human beings.

[hack89]

12. They don't pay tariffs on most of their imports to the US

it will cost them money and jobs.

[hack89]

15. Yes - they have a preferential free trade agreement with the US

that allows them to avoid US tariffs.

[flamingdem]

9. Venezuela has stepped up to the plate since there are no other takers

Even the head lawyer for Wikileaks Gurzon said no gracias, he won't take the case.

My guess is that Venezuela has the least to loose and that Maduro is getting something out of Putin for this.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

10. American "diplomacy" on display.

[Ichingcarpenter]

13. Boycott Cuba

support the Batistas, the mob and the CIA

I'm an economic hit man.... which I hope people would read again.

[Romulus Quirinus]

11. Yeah, no one is going to do anything that costs someone money. nt

[Ichingcarpenter]

17. China Risks Trade Problems With U.S if.........

now you see how hypocritical this is ?

[Cali_Democrat]

18. The US would likely retaliate against China in a different way

Perhaps supplying more advanced weapons to Taiwan or taking Japan's side in the island disputes. Perhaps tariffs on specific Chinese goods. The US imports a lot more from China than they export to China.

My hunch is that China is probably going to wish they just extradited him.

[Ichingcarpenter]

19. Oh I see.....

thanks ..... be sure to seen you idea to the white house and john bolton.

I think Bolton and the neocons already thought of this......

Your world peace solutions are just an inspiration to Gandi and Nelson Mandela.

[Cali_Democrat]

20. I'm not advocating supplying weapons or increasing tariffs

I'm just saying that this is what is possible. International relations is a dirty business.

[Ichingcarpenter]

21. LOL.....

not from your history and posts I've read over the years...... but if you say so right now ..... it must be true.....

[Cali_Democrat]

22. When have I advocated supplying weapons over the years?

I think you have me confused with someone else?

Link?