LATIN AMERICAN INTEGRATION ASSOCIATION

Abstract

This chapter discusses the general outline and structure of Latin American Integration Association (LAIA). The LAIA Treaty is based on a flexible pattern that contemplates not only multilateral action through agreements of regional scope signed by all member countries, but also the agreements of partial scope signed by some member countries but open to the adherence of all. Partial scope agreements stand for the principles of pluralism, convergence, flexibility, differential treatment, and multiplicity defined in Article 3, purporting to respect the independent will of member countries in choosing diverse ways toward integration by offering them flexible mechanisms facilitating total, or partial accord, and the easy multi lateralization of the latter. The LAIA has three policy organs and a new technical organ which was unknown to LAFTA: the Secretariat. The LAIA policy organs are the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Conference of Evaluation, and Convergence, and the Committee of Representatives.