Mexicans Protest NAFTA as U.S. Lawmakers Visit

In the largest demonstration to date here against the North American Free Trade Agreement, more than 2,000 marchers opposed to the proposed pact filed through the streets of this capital Saturday, pausing in front of the U.S. Embassy to deplore “imperialism” and the “brutal exploitation” of Mexican laborers.

“This treaty will only benefit the big corporations,” declared Telesfero Zamorano, a 32-year-old street vendor from the city of Puebla who was among those holding an opposition banner at the head of the protest.

The march--timed to coincide with other anti-NAFTA events along the U.S.-Mexico border and elsewhere--occurred on the same day that a contingent of 16 U.S. Congress members, many of them undecided about NAFTA, were visiting Mexico City. Most met Saturday with President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, who views NAFTA as crucial to Mexican economic recovery.

“We’re going to win this battle,” declared Rep. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.), a strong NAFTA supporter, referring to the scheduled Nov. 17 House vote.

While Salinas maintains that the vast majority of Mexicans approve of NAFTA, there is broad opposition to the pact here in labor, environmental and other circles. NAFTA has become a rallying point for opposition leaders, many of whom have called for a renegotiation to improve protections for Mexican laborers, both in Mexico and the United States.

“Unlike in the United States, there hasn’t even been a debate here about the treaty,” said Hector de la Cueva, who heads an organization that is calling on Salinas to suspend the proposed pact and open nationwide discussions.

Many marchers were disturbed by recent U.S. actions along the U.S.-Mexico border, including an immigration “blockade” in El Paso, Tex., and plans to deploy National Guard troops in San Diego.