MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US after closer links with Uruguay, but respects Mercosur tempo

Thomas Shannon with Pte. Tabare Vazquez

United States said it respects the political context of the region and is not interested in creating problems to those Mercosur members that choose to have closer links with Washington said a top US official currently visiting Uruguay.

Under Secretary for Hemispheric Affairs Thomas Shannon after meeting with Uruguayan president Tabare Vazquez said the US in interested in closer trade links, "but at a pace which is comfortable for Uruguay". "We're working to conclude a framework trade agreement with Uruguay to determine how we can improve and strengthen relations, but we respect the political context", underlined Shannon who together with Nicholas Burns Under Secretary for Political Affairs from the State Department and other US top officials are on a tour of Southern Cone countries excepting Argentina. Shannon emphasized that Washington has "no intention" of creating problems inside the Mercosur customs union. Mercosur made up of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, plus Venezuela in the process of incorporation, has strict consensus conditions for member countries attempting to reach trade agreements with third parties. This has been particularly frustrating for Mercosur junior members Uruguay and Paraguay who feel displaced and even ignored on occasions by the "club" Argentina-Brazil who virtually act and decide bilaterally. Faced with this both junior members have attempted to establish closer trade and political links with the US. Following the meeting with President Vazquez Burns described the US trade relation with Uruguay as a "priority" and Shannon revealed that not only trade was on the table. Both sides also talked about energy, ethanol, peace keeping missions under UN command, climate change and Uruguay's overall foreign policy including relations with Mercosur and United States. Political analysts believe the Shannon/Burns tour of the area is part of the new US offensive to counteract the growing influence of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez in the region which has been highly criticized by the opposition Democrat controlled Congress. Shannon has also been well received and accepted in the region because he's seen as a more flexible and pragmatic diplomat compared to his dogmatic predecessors holding the post.