As Clinton continues his efforts to extend NAFTA to include all of Latin America - starting with Chile - we reflect particularly on how it has effected Mexico in the almost four years since its implementation.  We think that in order to help remedy the multitude of serious environmental, cultural, economic and social problems that come as a consequence of NAFTA, a drastic amending of the agreement is imperative.

         In order to fully understand the implications of NAFTA, the entire process of expansion needs to be slowed down.  One way of accomplishing this would be to lengthen the tariff reduction schedule, allowing for a more complete assessment of each stage of NAFTA's progression.  Most importantly, funds need to be allocated to form multinational committees.  These committees would consist of representatives from not only the United States, Canada and Mexico, but also all Latin American countries, as they too experience the effects of NAFTA.  They would then be divided into subcommittees to investigate environmental standards, agricultural issues, human and labor rights, and economic consequences.  Thus, over time, prescriptions could be made regarding possible solutions in each area.

        If changes such as these do not occur, it is likely that the problems which we have identified here will continue to worsen over time.  One thing remains clear: Mexico cannot support these trends much longer.