MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilian Senate suspends vote on Venezuela’s Mercosur admission

Chavez “war alert” triggered much tension and reaction

The Brazilian Senate agreed to postpone a full house vote on the admission of Venezuela to Mercosur given the “strained climate” generated by President Hugo Chavez who alerted his people of a “possible” war with Colombia.

Although no new date was established legislative sources quoted in the Brazilian press indicate that the vote could be taken next week although much depends on ongoing negotiations between different political forces.

The Senate must decide on Venezuela’s incorporation to Mercosur as full member, which is the last step of a long process for the definitive approval of a request originally presented by President Chavez back in 2006.

Once it passes the Senate, President Lula da Silva simply has to sign its promulgation.

President Chavez comments during this last Sunday “Alo Presidente” radio program when he called on the military and the civilian population to prepare for war with Colombia, had a most negative impact on Brazilian senators.

Senator Grim Argello from the ruling coalition that favours the incorporation of Venezuela admitted that Chavez statements “were shocking” and “seriously complicated the vote”.

Opposition Senator Jose Agripino Maia contrary to the incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur said that “Chavez and his war mongering speech pulverized any prospects on an agreement on the vote this week”.

“We’ll have to lets things cool down for a while” said Senator Romero Jucá, head of Lula da Silva’s Workers Party grouping in the Senate.