MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Duhalde ratifies Mercosur support for Toledo

Mercosur expressed its full support to Peruvian president Alejandro Toledo and called on the people and leaders of the country to defend the democratic system “in the framework of respect to constitutional principles”.

In an official release which was originally distributed in Buenos Aires the regional block made up of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay plus associate members Bolivia, Chile and Peru underlined "its trust in the stability of democratic processes in the region".

Mercosur also underlined the "efforts" of Mr. Toledo to overcome the current political crisis which forced the president to a round of talks with political parties and other sectors of the community with the purpose of naming a new "consensus" cabinet.

Mr. Toledo's administration has been weakened by revelations of corruption cases involving close aides and friends of the president.

The block's stance was ratified by Eduardo Duhalde, president of Mercosur's Commission of Permanent representatives who this week visited Mr. Toledo in Lima and had a long meeting with the Peruvian president.

Although the former Argentine president's visit was scheduled as part of the ongoing process to integrate the Community of Andean Nations to Mercosur, following the meeting and talking with the press Mr. Duhalde emphasized the political importance of Mercosur's support for Mr. Toledo and democratic institutions.

"I'm grateful for Mercosur's support to democratic governance and efforts to consolidate our institutions", said President Toledo adding that it's in difficult moments that sustained democratic strength is tested and "this message (from Mercosur) encourages me to continue".

However, the latest opinion poll in Lima indicates that with the new cabinet support for President Toledo increased from 7 to 10%, while the rejection index dropped from 90 to 88%. Besides 69% of Peruvians believe this is the last chance for Mr. Toledo who came into office in 2001 and 63% are looking at Mr. Carlos Ferrero, president of the cabinet as the best candidate to succeed him. Mr. Ferrero has an approval rating of 41%.

In spite of the political crisis, Peru has achieved reasonable strides with its economy, growth in 2003 reached 3,97% after expanding 4,85% in 2002 and is forecasted to grow 4% in 2004.