Monday, February 12, 2007

Iran Deal Clouds Free Trade Plans With US

(politics as usual...)
February 7, 2007

The Bush administration has put a free trade deal with Malaysia on hold after Kuala Lumpur signed an energy agreement with Iran. This Inter Press Service article argues that the US - desperate to isolate Iran over its nuclear program - is attempting to pressure the Malaysian government to abandon its deal with Iran. However, Malaysian Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz stated in response that the free trade negotiations will not be "held hostage to any political demand."
Source: Global Policy Forum

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