US-Colombia free trade pact effective May 15

CARTAGENA: The US-Colombian free trade agreement will come into force May 15, a US official said Sunday, after years of Washington pressing for reform in the South American country.

"The government of the United States and Colombia have completed our technical work and Colombia has passed those laws and regulations necessary in order for the free trade agreement to enter into force on May 15, 2012," US Trade Representative Ron Kirk told reporters.