Pomp and violent protests greet Bush (Bogota, Columbia)

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/03/11/bush.latin.america.ap/index.html

Pomp and violent protests greet Bush


BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- President Bush pledged continued support Sunday to this strong but drug- and violence-plagued U.S. ally, on a visit marked by both warm official welcomes and rioting protesters.

"Your country has come through very difficult times and now there's a brighter day ahead," Bush said to President Alvaro Uribe after their meetings and lunch at the presidential palace. "We have been friends and we will remain friends."

Bush came to Colombia's capital for a show of confidence in Uribe and the country's battle against drug gangs and leftist rebels.

But the stop was clouded by a political scandal, and security jitters had Bush staying only about six hours.

Colombia was the third country on the president's five-nation tour of Latin America. (Bush's itinerary on his Latin America trip)

He began his journey in Brazil, flew here from Uruguay and was headed later Sunday to Guatemala. Bush stops in Mexico before returning to Washington on Wednesday.
Protesters clash with police

Despite close ties between Uribe and Bush, the U.S. president's visit has generated considerable criticism and strong protests.

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The past is bad (let's no dwell on that), the future is good.