U.S. Ambassador to Chile Brandon Judd raised diplomatic tensions with the Chilean government Thursday by saying that criticism from Cabinet ministers of the additional 12.5% tariff imposed by Washington on some Chilean exports complicates diplomatic negotiations aimed at reversing it. File Photo by Ailen Diaz/EPA
SANTIAGO, Chile, July 31 (UPI) -- U.S. Ambassador to Chile Brandon Judd raised diplomatic tensions with the Chilean government Thursday by saying criticism from Cabinet ministers of the additional 12.5% tariff imposed by Washington on some Chilean exports complicates diplomatic negotiations aimed at reversing it.
Speaking at a news conference, Judd said the negotiations being led by Chile's Undersecretariat for International Economic Relations could be undermined by public criticism from ministers who are not directly involved in the talks.
"It is very disappointing that, while negotiations are underway, ministers who are not involved in them come out and make comments, especially when they use terms such as 'sham,'" he said.
Chile was one of 60 countries affected by the tariff after the Office of the United States Trade Representative concluded that it lacks sufficient mechanisms to prevent the import or sale of goods produced with forced labor.
