United States to refresh two Latin America FTAs

President Obama has instructed Ron Kirk (United States Trade Representative) to step up with Colombia and Panama as to resolve any outstanding issue. The goal is to approve both FTA: the US with Colombia and the US with Panama.

To this effect next week Mr Kirk is sending to Colombia a delegation to begin the process. However, he warns that "any schedule will depend on resolving" issues like labour right protection and human rights.

I presume that if the FTA between the US and Colombia is finally ratified by the US Congress, many can raise again hopes that the adoption of the Madrid Protocol is a certain fact.

Few months back this blog raised the issue that in this FTA there was a footnote where Colombia committed itself to accede to the Madrid Protocol. Also we need to remember that the FTA between the EU and Colombia do cover this issue as well.

That said, does it mean that Colombia will discuss the Bill 234/2009, concerning the adoption of the Madrid Protocol? Will it be any time soon?