Chile seen as ready to join Nafta once US sorts out own disputes

Chile's inclusion in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is expected to be forthcoming although the US will still have to resolve debates on the intertwining of trade negotiations with environmental and labor issues. Republicans have stressed their opposition to relating trade with the environment and labor. This may complicate Pres. Bill Clinton's plan to request Congress for new trade-negotiating powers needed to help Chile join the NAFTA.