Everything that can be done in that regard will be of assistance, but it will not turn the tide. Poverty and inequality are major issues throughout the hemisphere. I would never say that one trade agreement is going to turn this around, but certainly it's an incremental step, and again, every little bit is helping. This will be an important signal. It will certainly help Colombia. Any jobs or any opportunities you create are important in the struggle between legitimate activity and the drug trade, which is so powerful and so rich.
On November 5th, 2009. See this statement in context.