Bush worried about Venezuelan democracy

US President George W. Bush expressed Monday concern about erosion of democracy in Venezuela and Bolivia. In a clear reference to his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chávez, the ruler criticized interference in the polls of third countries.

"Let me say it clearly: I am concerned about the erosion of democracy in the countries you mentioned," Bush answered to a participant in a rally of the Chicago's Restorers Association on the situation in Venezuela and Bolivia, AFP quoted.

Apparently in reference to President Chávez, but without naming him, Bush warned against "intended meddling in the elections of other countries in the hemisphere," Efe reported.

"I will recall the people that intervening in other elections to attain goals in the medium term is not in the interest of the neighborhood," Bush explained in clear reference to Chávez' support to Peruvian candidate Ollanta Humala and Nicaraguan Daniel Ortega.

Bush proposed as an alternative the Central American standard and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA.)

Good relations with the United States would be helpful for these peoples, he pointed out.