MercoPress

Paraguay on Independence Day blasts Argentina and Brazil over “power resource exploitation”

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:59:00 GMT

President Federico Franco said Paraguay has long cancelled its debts for the construction of two huge shared hydroelectric dams with its powerful neighbours and demanded Argentina pay for the surplus energy it receives and compensation for flooding Paraguayan territory.

Under Brazilian suggestion, Maduro says he is prepared for political dialogue with Capriles

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:58:00 GMT

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said he is prepared for political dialogue with the leader of the opposition Henrique Capriles to ensure peace in the country, even if it means “talking to the devil”. He also warned that United States must “give a huge leap forward” if relations as equals are to be advanced between Caracas and Washington.

Brazil endorses Maduro and pledged support to develop agriculture and infrastructure

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:44:00 GMT

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro got strong backing from regional heavyweight Brazil on a tour of Mercosur allies to cement his legitimacy as political heir to the late Hugo Chavez.

Paraguay requests Pacific Alliance observer status; moves ‘beyond Mercosur’

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:40:00 GMT

Paraguay has made official its request to become an observer of the Pacific Alliance, (Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru), as part of its policy to strengthen relations with other countries that goes beyond Mercosur and has proven very successful for the exchange of experiences.

Paraguay discussing inviting Maduro to the inauguration of president-elect Cartes

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:35:00 GMT

Paraguayan president elect Horacio Cartes transition team said that Venezuela should be present at the inauguration ceremony of the new head of state scheduled for 15 August, despite the ‘current circumstances’ of bilateral relations.

Maduro promises Uruguay permanent supply of oil and full Mercosur commitment

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:56:00 GMT

President Nicolas Maduro promised his Uruguayan counterpart Jose Mujica a “permanent” supply of petroleum from oil-rich Venezuela during the first leg of his visit to Mercosur member countries. Maduro also announced the signing of a strategic alliance in the energy sector with Uruguay.

Ecuador to begin negotiations to join Mercosur, after reaching accord with the EU

Mon, 06 May 2013 05:30:00 GMT

Ecuador will notify its intention of beginning negotiation to join Mercosur, while at the same time closing a trade agreement with the European Union. The announcement was made by President Rafael Correa during his regular weekly reports on radio and television.

Bolivia full incorporation to Mercosur now rests on legislative approval from other members

Mon, 06 May 2013 05:18:00 GMT

Bolivia has completed the presentation of its Mercosur incorporation protocol, which opens the way for the parliaments of the different member-countries to begin considering and ratifying her full membership. Once completed Bolivia becomes the sixth full member next to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Maduro visits Uruguay on his first overseas trip since becoming elected president

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:28:00 GMT

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro begins next Tuesday an official one visit to Uruguay when he will be meeting with head of state Jose Mujica and former president Tabare Vazquez.On Wednesday he plans to fly to Argentina and the following day, Brazil.

Cartes pledges allegiance to Mercosur: abandoning it ‘would be utterly nonsense’

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 02:23:00 GMT

President-elect Horacio Cartes said that even when some aspects of Mercosur can be improved it “would be utterly nonsense” to abandon the block since it generates many jobs in the country, attracts investment and is an opportunity to open markets.