CROSS-BORDER BRIBERY AND TRADE

* The Issue: The Financial Times reported allegations by Kaveh Moussavi, a representative for IBM in Mexico, that IBM lost a $21 million bid to update Mexico's air traffic control system by failing to pay a $1 million bribe in Mexico.

* The Case: Moussavi is filing defamation and breach of contract suits against IBM, IBM de Mexico, and a former Mexican minister for backing off the claim.

* The Impact: International bribery cases involve complex debates over jurisdiction. Moussavi's case will be raised in hearings before the Senate Commerce Committee on NAFTA problems.