Bush Urges Congress To Ratify Free-Trade Pact With Colombia

Wednesday, May 2nd 2007, 7:19 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ 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.''

``So I urge them (lawmakers) to be open-minded and listen to his record,'' the president added, ``because it's in our interest that they do so.''

Uribe thanked the United States for its help, saying security in his country is important for all.

He said it is ``very important'' for the United States to work with Colombia as it tries to combat drug trafficking and defeat terrorism.

Uribe said he appreciated ``the hand all of you have given our country ... to promote freedom.''