The Andean Community of Nations (CAN) on Friday announced that it is ready to begin negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union.

The commitment was made by the Foreign and Trade ministers of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia in televised session of the CAN, Peruvian Foreign Trade vice-minister Luis Garcia told the press.

The accord between the four Andean countries makes possible the FTA negotiations with Europe, despite Bolivia's initial objections, Garcia said.

Bolivia will participate in making some decisions but with the flexibility that its objections in some issues will not stop the negotiations of the other Andean associates, Garcia said.