NAFTA MORATORIUM

Presidential candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore are being urged by the National Association of Independent Insurers to maintain the moratorium against granting Mexican trucks full access to American highways until compliance with U.S. safety, insurance and competency standards can be assured by Mexican authorities.

The moratorium was established almost five years ago, shortly after the North American Free Trade Agreement was ratified. Currently, Mexican trucks generally are restricted to the commercial trade zone.

The Mexican government filed a complaint under the NAFTA treaty against the United States for breach of the NAFTA trucking provisions. The dispute resolution panel is expected to issue its ruling soon, possibly mandating full access.