Venez: US Liable for Andean Crisis

Caracas
Venezuela said Wednesday the US is responsible for the Andean crisis by sweet talking Colombia and Peru into signing bilateral free trade agreements and negotiating a similar deal with Ecuador.

Venezuelan Minister for Integration and Foreign Trade Gustavo Marquez indicated that events at the Andean Community of Nations are not isolated, but part of a process in which "the black hand of the empire" has played a serious role.

Interviewed by the Venezuelan TV program "En confianza," the minister pointed out Washington extorts Andean nations and has threatened to withdraw some tax profits if they do not sign the free trade agreements.

This move, taken after the failure of the free trade area of the Americas (FTAA), also aims to cause divisions within the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), thus hindering its consolidation, the official stressed.

The agreements affect Andean regulations and give the US 64 percent preference over products imported by Colombia and Peru, which is very damaging for Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.