Bush referred to another controversial U.S. initiative when he urged countries to ban all corrupt officials from crossing their borders. The United States has asked other leaders to agree to a proposal that would ban corrupt nations from the OAS.
"Today, I signed a proclamation denying corrupt President Bush told leaders from across the Americas that free trade is the best road to prosperity in the hemisphereofficials entry into my country," Bush said Monday. "I urge other countries to take similar actions."
The president also took aim at Chavez, who recently accused the United States of "sticking its nose" into his country's affairs when Washington urged that he allow a referendum on his recall from office to proceed.