Peru recalls envoy from Bolivia

PERU: Peru recalled its ambassador from Bolivia after left-wing Bolivian president Evo Morales accused it of having a secret…

PERU:Peru recalled its ambassador from Bolivia after left-wing Bolivian president Evo Morales accused it of having a secret US military base and urged Peruvians to rise up against the government, the foreign ministry said yesterday.

Tensions between the neighbours have been running high since Peru signed a free trade agreement with the United States late last year.

Bolivia has denounced the accord and urged the Andean community - which also includes Colombia and Ecuador - to do the same.

Peru and Colombia are strong US allies and sharply disagree with Mr Morales on trade issues. Ecuador leans to the left, particularly on trade.

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The US Congress approved the pact with Peru last year. A deal with Colombia is pending, as is another agreement with Panama.

Mr Morales is an ally of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. - ( Reuters)