The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative
Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other
shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org.
April 8, 2011

U.S., Colombia Agree to Labor Rights Provisions for Trade Deal 
---------------------------------------------------------------



The United States and Colombia have come to terms on a labor rights
agreement that would clear the way for a long-delayed trade deal.
President Obama announced the pact Thursday with Colombian President
Juan Manuel Santos.

President Obama: "I am very pleased to announce that we have developed
an action plan for labor rights in Colombia consistent with our values
and interests, but more importantly, consistent with President Santos's
vision of a just and equitable society inside of Colombia, and we
believe that this serves as a basis for us moving forward on a
U.S.-Colombian free trade agreement."

The Colombia pact has been held up amidst concerns over human rights
violations, including the killings of union leaders. President Obama
voiced opposition to the deal during his run for office but has since
reversed his stance.



.