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Bush OKs U.S.-Peru Free Trade Deal

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The Associated Press

Published: December 15, 2007

WASHINGTON - President Bush signed a U.S.-Peru free trade agreement Friday, paving the way for stronger economic ties with the Andean nation and boosting the administration's efforts to shore up relations with Latin America.

"The bill will help increase opportunities for workers, ranchers, farmers and business in both our countries," Bush said, standing with Peru's president, Alan Garcia.

In calling on Congress to pass other free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama, Bush - without naming names - jabbed at leftist leaders in Latin America such as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, an outspoken antagonist of Washington.

"Across this hemisphere, people are watching what Congress will do ... in regards to the free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama," Bush said. "The champions of false populism will use any failure to approve these trade agreements as evidence that America will never treat other democracies in the region as full partners.

"It is vital that Congress send a strong message that the United States is committed to advancing freedom and prosperity in our neighborhood and approve these agreements with strong, bipartisan majorities."

Bush said trade is a key driver of economic growth and helps lift people from poverty.

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