MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilian opposition delays Venezuela's Mercosur bid

Members of the Brazilian Congress opposition again delayed on Wednesday the consideration of Venezuela's Mercosur incorporation protocol, in spite of strong appeals from the ruling coalition of President Lula da Silva.

A member of the opposition requested more time to consider the issue thus blocking today's vote by a Mercosur special commission, which if eventually is approved will then begin the Senate process, commission and full house votes. Once out of the Senate the bill approving the incorporation protocol will be promulgated by President Lula da Silva a staunch supporter of Venezuela joining Mercosur. Brazilian public work contractors, exporters and businesses in general are increasingly targeting Venezuela as a very lucrative market. The ruling coalition Deputy Florisvaldo Fier underlined before the commission the importance of Venezuela's incorporation for Mercosur. Brazil's Lower House approved the protocol last December. "Mercosur would transform into a trade space, full of opportunities with over 250 million people and an area of 12.7 million square kilometres, becoming one of the world's leading suppliers of food, energy and manufactured goods", insisted Deputy Fier. However this week the Brazilian Senate named new authorities for the 2009/2011 period and nominated Jose Sarney to preside, who as Brazilian president (1985/1990) was one of the promoters of Mercosur but is known to be a strong opponent of Hugo Chavez' Venezuela. The ruling coalition fears Mr. Sarney from his position could stall consideration of the protocol but he has strongly denied the allegations. "I will not delay the discussion and consideration of any project", which includes the Venezuela incorporation protocol he said on Monday when asked specifically about the issue. The presidents of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay signed the incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur on July 2006, but since only Argentina and Uruguay's legislatives have approved the initiative. Besides Brazil, the issue is still under consideration by the Paraguayan congress.