Bolivian president wants better U.S. ties

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales said in Washington he hoped to establish strong relations with the United States and President-election Barack Obama.

During his visit to Washington this week, where he spoke at the Organization of American States and American University, the leftist Bolivian leader said the Bush administration's policies in Latin America have led to the near collapse of relations with his country, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

Morales recently expelled the U.S. ambassador as well as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents from Bolivia. He accused the U.S. envoy of conspiring with his opponents.