by Gisela Saloman Associated Press
MIAMI - A State Department official says the Obama administration is committed to getting the Colombia Free Trade Agreement ratified by Congress. Assistant Secretary for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs Jose Fernandez spoke Thursday at a Miami conference co-hosted by business groups and the University of Miami. Colombia and the U.S. signed the agreement in 2006, but it has been blocked by opponents in Congress. Human rights advocates and labor groups say Colombia must do more to protect workers' rights before the treaty is approved. Supporters of the agreement say Colombia has been a strong ally of the U.S. and should be rewarded for its loyalty and its fight against drug traffickers. Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/03/2049367/official-us-hoping-to-ratify-colombia.html#ixzz1DEadpQ1M