Kerry: Bush Has Neglected Latin America

[CShine]

WASHINGTON - Democrat John Kerry, seeking votes from Hispanics, told Latino officials Saturday that President Bush has neglected Latin America and that he would do better. Kerry said that as president, he would assemble leaders in the Western Hemisphere in a group intended to defend democracy and the rule of law.

"I will be a president of the United States who knows where Latin America is and knows that we owe it respect," the Massachusetts senator told the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. Kerry criticized Bush for failing to intervene when "mob violence" drove leaders from office in Bolivia and Argentina, and for encouraging Haiti's former president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, to flee during a deadly uprising. Kerry also said that unlike Bush did in Venezuela, "We will not welcome a government named by a military junta."

"Strong democratic states with transparent rules and a broad respect for the rule of law are essential to alleviating poverty and inequality in the region," Kerry said. "As president, I will strongly support democratic institutions, assist democracy where it is troubled and promote democracy in Cuba."

Kerry said he would attempt to reduce terrorist threats in the region by coordinating customs, immigration and law enforcement among the countries. He also said he would renegotiate the Central American Free Trade Agreement signed by the Bush administration and include better protections for workers and the environment.


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