MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Rammell praises “left wing” Chile and Brazil

Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell praised Chile and Brazil for implementing radical reforms in the framework of an orderly rule and international law, which is not necessarily happening in two other countries supposedly ruled by “left wing” governments, Argentina and Venezuela.

Mr. Rammell who made a quick tour of Argentina, Chile and Brazil, spent one day in Montevideo where he met local authorities, praised the long standing excellent relations with Uruguay and ensured Britain's support to any future Uruguayan elected government whatever its ideological orientation.

"That has been so with the current ruling coalition and with any future left wing coalition. Our friendship with Uruguay will not change because of the coming elections results".

In an interview with the local press the Foreign Office minister underlined that "although in the last few years we've seen in several South American countries "left wing" presidents take office, reality indicates that not all of them must be considered or seen in the same way".

"On the one hand we have Brazilian president Lula da Silva and Chilean president Ricardo Lagos who are involved in radical reforms but at the same time act in consonance with international economic and financial order. But on the other hand we have cases such as President Kirchner in Argentina and President Chavez in Venezuela which do not proceed in the same manner".

Mr. Rammell highlighted that both Mr. Lula da Silva and Mr. Lagos have worked consistently for social justice but within the framework of international law.

"I believe the left is doing things correctly in Brazil and Chile".

However talking personally Mr. Rammell said Argentina has made great strides but still has a long way ahead, particularly in relations with the IMF. "Anyhow I hope that next March Argentina will honour its debts which will be a clear signal for the international community to keep backing Argentina so she can definitively move ahead".

As to the advent of more left wing governments in South America Mr. Rammell said that belonging to a centre-left government "I have coincidences with many of Latinamerica left postulates, essentially social justice, but I also recognize the great economic limitations, and that is the great challenge for any left wing government in the region".