2006年VOA标准英语-Colombia's Uribe, Bush Discuss Trade and Narco-

By Scott Stearns
White House
14 June 2006

President Bush and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe say they will continue working together to defeat the illegal drug trade. The leaders also discussed a pending¹ free trade agreement.

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George Bush meets with Alvaro Uribe at White House   
  

President Bush congratulated the Colombian leader on his May re-election and said he admires Mr. Uribe for his strong beliefs in democracy and fighting illegal drugs.

"He's got a tough job in dealing² with narco-terrorist groups in his country, but he's committed to dealing firmly with narco-terrorism," said Mr. Bush. "He's committed to helping³ reconcile past differences. He's committed to helping people get back into society."

President Uribe says they discussed how to speed up the eradication⁴ of drugs. Profits from harvesting coca leaves have helped fund rebels fighting Colombia's government.

"One challenge is that Colombia can overcome this long nightmare of terrorism," he said. "I understand the mandate⁵ my fellow country citizens have given me to work harder, and with better results, for my country to get peace, and the United States cooperation is necessary."

During their Oval Office talks, the leaders vowed⁶ to work out the remaining details of a free trade agreement between Colombia and the United States so Mr. Bush can submit it to Congress.

President Uribe briefed Mr. Bush on the recent Andean summit in Ecuador where he joined the leaders of Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru in an effort to strengthen their trade alliance following Venezuela's withdrawal⁷ from the group in April.

President Bush says he wants to do a better job communicating with the people of South America and Central America about Washington's desire to promote justice, education, and health. The United States spends more than $1.5 million in the region each year, and Mr. Bush wants people there to understand that the money is meant to help them improve their lives

1 pending   

prep.直到，等待…期间；adj.待定的；迫近的

参考例句：

• The lawsuit is still pending in the state court.这案子仍在州法庭等待定夺。
• He knew my examination was pending.他知道我就要考试了。

2 dealing   

n.经商方法，待人态度

参考例句：

• This store has an excellent reputation for fair dealing.该商店因买卖公道而享有极高的声誉。
• His fair dealing earned our confidence.他的诚实的行为获得我们的信任。

3 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

4 eradication   

n.根除

参考例句：

• The eradication of an established infestation is not easy. 根除昆虫蔓延是不容易的。
• This is often required for intelligent control and eradication. 这经常需要灵巧的控制与消除。

5 mandate   

n.托管地；命令，指示

参考例句：

• The President had a clear mandate to end the war.总统得到明确的授权结束那场战争。
• The General Election gave him no such mandate.大选并未授予他这种权力。

6 vowed   

起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式）

参考例句：

• He vowed quite solemnly that he would carry out his promise. 他非常庄严地发誓要实现他的诺言。
• I vowed to do more of the cooking myself. 我发誓自己要多动手做饭。

7 withdrawal   

n.取回，提款；撤退，撤军；收回，撤销

参考例句：

• The police were forced to make a tactical withdrawal.警方被迫进行战术撤退。
• They insisted upon a withdrawal of the statement and a public apology.他们坚持要收回那些话并公开道歉。