Meanwhile, Bolivian President Evo Morales announced he will delay legal action over the US suspension of Bolivian trade benefits. The Bush administration officially revoked the benefits this week, accusing Morales of failing to cooperate in the so-called war on drugs. Morales said he would delay the suit in the hopes the incoming Obama administration would reverse the suspension.

Bolivian President Evo Morales: “The Bolivian government had prepared an international lawsuit to enforce the rules but decided to suspend it, confident that the President-elect, the recently elected Mr. Obama, can repair this injustice, this vengeance President Bush led against the Bolivian government and people.”

The US has been accused of hypocrisy following UN figures that show cocaine production in Bolivia rose just five percent last year. In Colombia, the administration’s strongest ally, the increase was 27 percent.