Former top-level US officials from both parties plead for Panama trade accord

A bipartisan group of former US trade, State Department and White House officials called for quick approval of trade deals with Colombia and Panama that have been on hold since the start of President Barack Obama's administration.

The group included former Trade Representative Susan Schwab, who oversaw negotiation of the agreements during the Republican administration of former President George W. Bush, as well as Mickey Kantor and Charlene Barshefsky who both served in the Democratic administration of former President Bill Clinton. It was also signed by Thomas McLarty, Clinton's special envoy for the Americas, and Otto Reich, who served in the same post for Bush.

Original source: Reuters