(AFP)
WASHINGTON — Latin America is enjoying growth and stable democracy with
the "notable exceptions" of the leftist governments of Cuba, Nicaragua
and Venezuela, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday.
Clinton had special praise for Brazil, Chile and Colombia in testimony
to the Senate Appropriations Committee as she discussed her proposed
2012 budget.
Latin America, "with notable exceptions like Cuba and a few others like
Venezuela and Nicaragua," has "moved into an era of sustainable
democracy and economic growth," Clinton said.
Brazil "is booming," Clinton told the senators. "It is a real success
story."
"They have the highest tax to GDP (gross domestic product) ratio in the
hemisphere," she said, "and they use that money to invest in social
inclusion, improve their education and health systems."
Chile "similarly has good leadership and made good investments," Clinton
said, while there has been "a successful American partnership" with
Colombia regarding its war with leftist guerrillas and Bogota's
crackdown on drug trafficking.
President Barack Obama is scheduled to travel March 19-23 to Brazil,
Chile and El Salvador.
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