Bolivian President Evo Morales (left) talks with Brazil's president, 17 Dec 2008

Bolivian President Evo Morales says Latin American nations should expel their U.S. ambassadors until the United States lifts its long-standing embargo against Cuba.

President Morales made the comment Wednesday in Brazil on the final day of a summit of 33 Latin American and Caribbean leaders, who included Cuban President Raul Castro.

The leftist Mr. Morales ordered the U.S. ambassador out of Bolivia in September, accusing him of fomenting unrest. The U.S. denied the accusation and expelled Bolivia's envoy.

Mr. Morales and his ally, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, have expressed hope that U.S. President-elect Barack Obama might end the embargo. And, Mr. Castro has discussed his willingness to hold talks with Mr. Obama over the issue.

Mr. Obama has said he would be willing to speak with Cuba's leaders but that he would maintain the nearly 50-year-old embargo as leverage to push for democratic change on the Communist-led island.

Several nations in the Western Hemisphere have called for the U.S. to lift its embargo against Cuba. The U.S. and Canada were excluded from this week's summit in Brazil, which was aimed at deepening economic and political ties in the region.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.