by Chantell Taylor, Apr 16, 1998

TUESDAY, APRIL 21 -- NATIONAL ALL-CALL DAY TO SENATE

As you may know, the OECD's current deadline for a completed Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) is just a few weeks away. At their annual meeting April 27-28, the 29 member governments of the OECD will decide whether to sign the MAI or extend the deadline.

While some countries say they won't sign the MAI in April, some hope to lock-in provisions where there is consensus and resolve outstanding issues within the year. Some hope to sign a "political commitment" to extend MAI negotiations. Despite public opposition, the OECD is trying to put the MAI on life support by extending the deadline, or moving negotiations to another arena like the International Monetary Fund [IMF] or the World Trade Organization [WTO]. We say PUT THE MAI TO REST!

Let's send a strong message to the Clinton Administration that the MAI should not be resuscitated. On Tuesday, April 21, call both your Senators' state or DC offices:

To reach their Washington DC offices, call the Senate switchboard at (202)225-3121. To reach their in-state offices, look up the last names of your Senators in the business white pages of your phone book. If you don't know the names of your two Senators, ask your library.

When you reach your Senators' office, ask for their "trade staff." Introduce yourself, express your concerns about the MAI, then urge your Senator to call the White House and State Department to demand:

NO MAI IN APRIL! PUT IT TO REST!
NO EXTENSION OF MAI NEGOTIATIONS!
NO MAI IN THE IMF OR WTO!

Here are some talking points:

• The MAI undermines state and local sovereignty by restricting governments' ability to regulate foreign investment and corporate accountability.
• Negotiations have been conducted in virtual secrecy without public or political scrutiny.
• The MAI lacks protections for the environment, labor and human rights.