Mercosur
Mercosur feedEU/Mercosur round of talks agreed negotiations remain stalled
The European Union and Mercosur closed on Friday a three-day round of talks unable to re-launch the stalled trade negotiations, although both sides were quick to point out to the “advances” of the last five years.
Brazilian Senate postpones vote on Venezuela’s Mercosur incorporation
In related news the Brazilian Senate postponed for a week a full house vote on the incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur which is pending since March 2007 when the administration of President Lula da Silva sent the request.
Brazilian industry suggests direct negotiations with EU, leaving aside Mercosur
Brazil’s all powerful Sao Paulo Federation of Industries, FIESP, said it is willing to yield positions so a free trade agreement can be reached with the European Union but also suggested Brazil should leave Mercosur aside.
Brazilian opposition to vote against Venezuela in Mercosur
The Brazilian opposition announced it will attempt to delay as much as possible the Senate vote on the incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur which is scheduled to take place Wednesday following the approval by the Foreign Affaire committee last week.
Lula da Silva relishes in Caracas approval of Venezuela’s Mercosur entry bid
Brazil’s Senate foreign relations committee approved on Thursday in a divided vote Venezuela’s request to join Mercosur despite concerns over President Hugo Chavez’s authoritarian style of government. The vote comes when President Lula da Silva flies to Caracas to sign huge contracts for Brazilian corporations.
Brazilian Senate ready to approve Venezuela’s inclusion in Mercosur
Strong lobbying from business interests in Brazil and Venezuela apparently will have tipped the balance and open the way for the Brazilian Congress to include Venezuela in South America’s largest trade block, Mercosur when it takes a vote on Thursday.
Brazil confirms the gradual elimination of US dollar in trade operations
Brazilian Central Bank president Henrique Meirelles said the country is considering the gradual elimination of the US dollar in trade with China, Russia and India, which together with Brazil make up the BRIC group.
Ecuador ratifies Mercosur “democratic clause”
Ecuador ratified this week support to Mercosur democratic commitment or “democratic clause” which automatically throws out any country member which violates such a commitment.
Brazil remains divided on Venezuela’s Mercosur incorporation
The president of the Brazilian Senate Jose Sarney reiterated Tuesday he does not support the incorporation of Venezuela to the South American trade block Mercosur, since “decisions from the government of that country represent a crumbling and deviation of democracy”.
