MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Venezuela’s Mercosur incorporation closer on political agreement in Paraguay

Paraguayan cabinet chief Miguel Lopez Perito

“There are better conditions, things are quieter now” to consider the incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur as full member said Paraguayan cabinet chief Miguel Lopez Perito, following a political agreement in Congress with one of the main opposition parties.

Lopez Perito made the statement following a meeting with President Fernando Lugo, although when asked specifically when the Paraguayan Executive would be sending the Venezuela initiative for congressional consideration he denied having any details besides the fact that “the issue is being handed by Foreign Affairs”.

However given this week’s understanding with the opposition for the naming of speakers and chairmen of congressional committees López Perito said he was encouraged by the latest events.

“I think there are better conditions, things are quieter now, I think that once we have taken all the congressional decisions and things settle down following the process of renovating parliament authorities, we will be able to advance with a little more fluid dialogue on several issues”.

Asked about an agreement with the opposition, Lopez Perito said that “any nomination in the Lower House or the Senate necessarily implies agreements with the different sectors. From that point of view I would say the reply is yes”.

Paraguay and more precisely the Paraguayan congress is the pending chapter for Venezuela’s incorporation as full member of Mercosur. The request dates back from 2006, but after a quick vote from Argentine and Uruguayan lawmakers the issue was stalled in Brazil, where it was unblocked last year following a political agreement between President Lula da Silva and several Senators in distress over corruption allegations.

However since President Lugo does not have a working majority in congress he has been forced to find an understanding, which finally seems to be in the pipeline.

Apparently the agreement worked out not only includes nominations in Congress but also magistrate candidates for the Supreme Court and filling several important embassies which remain vacant.