Liberalization: the United States' refusal to budge on foreign ownership rules shouldn't stop historic U-S.-E.U. open skies deal.(Commentary)

I would like to say a word about our negotiations with the European Union toward a possible breakthrough aviation agreement--one that would bring an entirely new level of liberalization to trans-Atlantic air services.

Everyone knows the European Community has indicated it wants to see progress in the removal of U.S. restrictions on foreign investment in U.S. airlines. At the same time, (U.S. Transportation) Secretary (Norman) Mineta has made it abundantly clear that U.S. investment rules cannot and will not be a topic for negotiation. If we decide to make changes, we will do so in response to our assessment of what is in the best interest of the United States. …