MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazil supports Venezuela for UN Security Council

Brazil's Foreign Affairs minister Celso Amorim said it was only “natural” that his country should support the candidacy of Venezuela, instead of Guatemala, to the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking during the annual assembly of the Organization of American States in Santo Domingo Mr. Amorim said that "Venezuela is a neighbour and fellow member of Mercosur", although admitting that "Brazil faces a difficult situation since we have excellent relations with both countries". "It's only natural that Venezuela as an immediate neighbour, and as member of Mercosur should be supported by Brazil to the post of non permanent member of the Security Council".

United States is strongly lobbying in support of Guatemala.

Mr. Amorim statements followed two long meetings with US Deputy Secretary of State Bob Zoellick who openly sponsored in the OAS meeting Guatemala's candidacy.

"Guatemala is an interesting candidate because it has benefited from UN programs and has also contributed", said Mr. Zoellick who is trying to convince Caribbean countries that the Belize dispute between Britain and Guatemala is not sufficient excuse to support Venezuela.

Latinamerican countries are divided between Venezuela and Guatemala for the post of the Latinamerica and Caribbean Group non permanent seat in the UN Security Council which must be decided by next October.

This means that if no regional agreement is reached, the General Assembly of the United Nations will have to take a vote on the issue and decide on which candidate.

The winner needs the approval of at least two thirds of the 191 country members, but a third of the assembly is enough to block any candidate.