MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina's doubts about enlarging Mercosur.

Argentina Foreign Affairs Minister Rafael Bielsa talking in Puerto Iguazu, said Mercosur should not discard creating the category of “observer member”, as a previous step to associate or full member.

Addressing the Mercosur Council (Foreign Affairs and Economy ministers of the group) Mr. Bielsa indicated that "the possibility of contemplating the category of "observer member" should not be discarded until the petitioner country has complied with all essential requisites that demand the associate status".

Although Mr. Bielsa did not mention Mexico specifically diplomatic sources said the reference was most evident.

Apparently Mercosur full members, (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) plus associate members (Chile, Bolivia and Peru) have yet to agree on the mechanisms to allow Mexico, which is strongly sponsored by Brazil and Chile, become an associate member of the group.

"Mercosur is the adequate instrument to build societies ever more equal and fairer", said Mr. Bielsa. "I hope the meeting will help us strengthen coincidences and overcome differences in a framework of rationality".

The summit agenda also includes assessment of trade talks with the European Union, the Community of Andean Nations, Japan, Egypt and India, and world trade forums.

Another outstanding event will be the inauguration of the block's trade disputes tribunal, which has been pending since virtually the launching of Mercosur in 1991.

Argentina the host will be represented by President Nestor Kirchner; Brazil by President Lula da Silva; Paraguya, Nicanor Duarte; Uruguay, Jorge Batlle; Chile, Ricardo Lagos; Bolivia, Carlos Mesa. Peruvian president Alejandro Toledo is currently on an official visit to Spain. Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez will also be present at the summit besides Mexican president Vicente Fox.