On December 17, 2003 the United States coerced Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala into signing the controversial Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Costa Rican negotiators walked out of the talks over disagreements related to opening their telecommunications and insurance markets. There were protests and educational activities in cities in North and Central America where CAFTA talks were held, including Managua, Nicaragua, San Francisco and Washington, DC. Read More Under the Trade Act of 2002, Congress has to be notified at least 90 days before signing the agreement. The US will tell Congress early next year of its intent to sign the CAFTA. 10 Reasons why people oppose CAFTA. More links.