Bolivian President Evo Morales has ruled out a free-trade agreement with the United States, despite an offer of support from Colombian President Alvaro Uribe.
Mr. Morales vowed Wednesday to refrain from trade talks with the United States, saying a free-trade agreement would harm local producers.
Tuesday, Mr. Uribe, who has been negotiating with the United States for a Colombian free trade agreement, offered to assist the United States and Bolivia in a similar negotiation.
Several South American countries are negotiating with the United States on free trade agreements, since a system of preferential trade tariffs expires at the end of this year. Washington had been giving trade advantages to countries that cooperate with the United States on anti-drug efforts.
Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.
