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October 17, 2008

Bush Extends Andean Trade, But Pushes Bolivia Suspension
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The unrest comes as President Bush has signed a one-year trade extension
for Colombia along with Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. Bush is seeking
broader congressional approval of a so-called free trade deal with
Colombia. But the agreement has been held up in part over human rights
concerns, including a spate of killings of Colombian union leaders.
Despite extending Bolivian trade, Bush is still seeking congressional
approval for removing its special trade status.

President Bush: “The Andean Trade Preference Act allows us to suspend
trade preferences with countries that do not live up to their promises.
And unfortunately, Bolivia has failed to cooperate with the United
States on important efforts to fight drug trafficking. So, sadly, I have
proposed to suspend Bolivia’s trade preferences until it fulfills its
obligations.”

Critics have denounced the administration’s allegations as part of a
campaign to destabilize the government of Bolivian President Evo
Morales.



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