"My administration was very clear when there were troubles on the streets in Venezuela that we support democracy and did not support any extra-constitutional action," Bush said.

Speaking with reporters April 18 during a visit to the White House by Colombian President Andres Pastrana, Bush said it is very important for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez "to embrace those institutions which are fundamental to democracy, including freedom of press, and freedom for the ability for the opposition to speak out."

"If there are lessons to be learned, it's important that he learn them," he added.

Bush also spoke about the necessity of U.S. support for Colombia's fight against narco-terrorists, who he said "are out to destroy democracy in Colombia." As one way for the United States to show such support, Bush urged the U.S. Senate to act on the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), which provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for a wide range of goods from four Andean nations, including Colombia. ATPA expired in December 2001; the House of Representatives has voted to renew and expand it, but the Senate has not.

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The Language of Trade An Outline of the U.S. Economy