Bush Wants More Free Trade Zones in Columbia

AKA. Right Wing Death Squad Boot Camps.
WASHINGTON — President Bush called on Congress Wednesday to approve a free-trade agreement with Colombia, saying "it is very important for this nation to stand with democracies."

Standing on the White House lawn with visiting Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, Bush called the pact with Colombia, Peru and Panama "good for the United States, good for job creators, farmers, workers, good for Colombia."

Bush said votes in Congress on such trade treaties "are more than just trade votes. They are signals to South America that we stand with nations that are willing to make hard decisions on behalf of the people."














Colombian Senator:Death Squads Met At Uribe's Ranch:

BOGOTA, Colombia, April 17 -- An opposition lawmaker on Tuesday alleged that paramilitary death squads met at the ranch of President Álvaro Uribe in the late 1980s and plotted to murder opponents, an explosive charge in a growing scandal that has unearthed ties between the illegal militias and two dozen congressmen.

Basing his accusations on government documents and depositions by former paramilitary members and military officers, Sen. Gustavo Petro said the militiamen met at Uribe's Guacharacas farm as well as ranches owned by his brother, Santiago Uribe, and a close associate, Luis Alberto Villegas.

Sen. Gustavo Petro, left, said squads met in the late 1980s at the ranch of the current president, Álvaro Uribe, right, whose government denies it. (William Fernando Martinez - AP)