Bolivian official won't visit Washington

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Bolivian President-elect Evo Morales, fresh from a visit with Fidel Castro, launched a world tour Tuesday by joining with Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in a denunciation of free-market economics -- a sign of the growing relationship among the three leftist leaders.
Notably, the tour includes stops in Spain, France, Belgium, South Africa, China and Brazil -- but not Washington. Morales' spokesman says he was not invited.
Arriving in Caracas aboard a specially arranged Cuban jetliner, Morales said he and Chavez were uniting in a "fight against neoliberalism and imperialism."
The Venezuelan leader received him with full military honors as well as hugs and smiles. Crowds of leftist, pro-government supporters cheered as Morales and Chavez arrived at the National Pantheon in downtown Caracas, then headed to a private meeting at Miraflores Palace.