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Mercosur and South America, remain top priorities of Brazilian diplomacy

Friday, April 22nd 2011 - 05:05 UTC
Full article 29 comments

South American countries, particularly Mercosur members remain as top priority of Brazil’s foreign policy confirmed this week President Dilma Rousseff. Read full article

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  • Think

    Listen to this Woman !:

    “The destiny of South America, of each of its countries and ours is indissolubly linked”

    “South America will continue to be the foreign policy priority of my government. There’s no room for discords and rivalries which split us in the past”

    “The institutions of yonder times have become obsolete. Global economic governance inherited from last century succumbed to the 2008 financial crisis together with the dogma of markets’ infallibility.”

    Music for my ears………………..

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 05:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Redhoyt

    Well, what do you expect ... the rest of the world isn't interested.

    Of course Brazil being by far the 'Big Boy' on the block, she'll rule South America ....... be careful what you wish for Think, there may be a strident chord !

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 06:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    One People, one Union....

    UNASUR

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 06:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fido Dido

    one people, one union?
    uhmm i don't think so, but i'd never know for sure.
    UNASUR..so far what i see and understand is that it's a cooperation of trade and other issues in south america..more connected..but not the idea like becomming like the EU..because we all see now how that is going to blow up and simply doesn't work (to many cultural differences and so is that the same in south america). we and those politicians there..i'm sure the fully understand that we witness a new begin of an end of a similar creation that took years to build up. UNASUR as far i understand is like NATO, but in south america.

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 06:57 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (4) Fido Dido

    You say :

    Becoming like the EU..because we all see now how that is going to blow up and simply doesn't work (to many cultural differences and so is that the same in south america)

    I say:
    What “Too many cultural differences in South-America”???
    What are you talking about; you big Dutch Turnip???
    Do me a favor:.... Name some !!!

    I have travelled, lived and experienced each and every Latin American Country (with the exception of Suriname and French Guiana) and interacted with low and high for more than 50 years without noticing any “cultural differences” that couldn’t be bridged in less than 30 seconds………..

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 07:26 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fido Dido

    Think, I'll do you that favor and try to make you understand why your utopian one people one Union won't happen and cannot happen.
    diffference #1. and this one is Huge.
    Brazil a continental size nation already Totally different from the so called Hispanic Latin American nations, on language, culturely, economically and history. Another big difference is that the Brazilians DO NOT SHARE a Single thought with people from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay (Include Guianas) Brazilians do not care much about the people in those countries. They know they are part of Latin America, but are fully aware of distance them self because of their own Idenity. They do not consider them self LATINO (for a good reason, because it doesn't make sense at all), but consider themself Brazilian and are proud of it. You also have to understand that there are States within that nation with having it's own culture(s). You should know that if you have traveled, but I doubt you have visited most States in Brazil and have a clear understanding of it. An expert once said in a book (and I'm not that expert)..Brazil is the USA in Latin America ( it's a multi racial republic, economic power, history is so different, similar like the US except like in the begin when it was an Empire, and things like that north, north east vs south, south east issue)..what is unknown for most people include you. Brazil and it's neighbors only work well together when they talk about cooperation, but not when it suppose to become a so called one nation, that won't work. difference #2. Suriname and Guiana, both a former Dutch/British colony and both mixed with the british and caribbean culture. That is a small major difference in S.A. Most people don't even know where both are located. Even in the Spanish speaking nations, the people from the spanish speaking nations I mentioned above, do not always understand each other well and have also Cultural differences, u should know

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 02:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    A lot of “Fido Dido Turnipidity” about Brazil “total difference”in language, culturaly, economically and history.

    Yeahhh right an INCREDIBLE diference..... It takes two weeks for an RG to speak decent portuñol; one week for a Brazilian.
    HUGE Culturally, Economically and Historical diferences too......As different as Sweden and Denmark or Portugal and Spain...........

    and then he finishes with.............:

    “Even in the Spanish speaking nations, the people from the spanish speaking nations I mentioned above, do not always understand each other well and have also Cultural differences, u should know”

    NO, I Don't know. that's why I asked you to give some examples!

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 02:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • geo

    [] 6 ---Fi Di
    difference # 3 :
    Venezuela + Colombia = Bolivarist , highly having different perceptions.

    difference # 4 :
    Chile has Bolivia +Peru in her mind not else.

    difference #5 :
    Paraguay +Uruguay +Equador = 0

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 03:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fido Dido

    Yeahhh right an INCREDIBLE diference..... It takes two weeks for an RG to speak decent portuñol; one week for a Brazilian.

    Think, people in the south of state of Rio Grande do Sul do speak Portunol, for them it's normal. but for example for Paulista, Carioca or for someone in the central west, a sertao, is it unnecessary to know or learn portunal because they don't care or doesn't make sense for them at all.

    NO, I Don't know. that's why I asked you to give some examples!

    Well now you know, and should begin to understand that copying the EU utopia of “one nation, one union” would also fail in South America for many more reasons, what I didn't mentioned and won't because the list is to long. The EU is a failure, and you are now in a time that you can learn from it. I have typed this before in a previous merco blog, last year I believe.

    #8, you also need to travel more within south america and you would be surprised that their are differences that what you just typed. South Americans in the past never bothered to learn from each other, but it seems that is changing what is a good sign. First do business with your neighbors then concentrate outside.

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 05:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (9)

    Chuckle chuckle

    “One nation, one union” would also fail in South America for many more reasons, what I didn't mentioned and won't because the list is to long.”

    What a Turnip....................

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 05:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fido Dido

    Chuckle chuckle Think, keep believing your fantasy.

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 06:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Chuckle chuckle Fido Dido, keep believing in the “things yoy won't mention because the list is to long.”

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 06:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fido Dido

    Chuckle chuckle yourself, Think. I don't need to believe that “if” south america wants to create the same scheme like the EU and truly believes it will succeed, is fantasy. Why? Another reason I will type for you is: all nations in south america do not share a single agenda of how and what this and that should be handled. It is simply not possible and you know that, but it doesn't fit in your wild fantasy. As I typed before, working together is right (common sense), but becoming “one nation, one union”..similar like the EU, is not possible for the other reasons I typed, but again doesn't fit in your wild fantasy ( tower of babel)
    http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://biblelight.net/tower-painting-parliament.jpg&imgrefurl=http://biblelight.net/Tower-of-Babel.htm&h=480&w=640&sz=74&tbnid=8I5jNz4d1ap5DM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dtower%2Bof%2Bbabel%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=tower+of+babel&hl=en&usg=__0Lb6JI2c-0kth_XJOKX9oSm8P9M=&sa=X&ei=v86xTdjTIpOw0QH1icWkCQ&sqi=2&ved=0CD4Q9QEwBQ
    In the EU: The Germans rule under the EU flag, the EURO, in the BIG government European parliment. And now other nations rebel against it, include the German people.
    If UNASUR becomes reality as you, think, wish: Brazil will be the ruler and I doubt that the other nations simply will accept that easily, and eventually will rebel. Everybody wants a big slice of the pie, but there is always one who says; no, I'm the boss and the biggest slice is for me,the crumbles is for the rest.

    Apr 22nd, 2011 - 07:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GeoffWard

    Think is right.

    hang together or hang separately.

    If single SA nations insist on contracting individually, the continent will be stripped of its assets with the lowest common denominator of returns. This is the worst of all worlds for SA.

    To negotiate AS A CONTINENT is to maximise trading returns for all SA nations.

    Though SA nations currently fight like ferrets in a sack, their advantage is that they are ALL FERRETS.
    All that's needed is for the ferrets to think and act like their cousins - like Meercats.

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 12:46 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fido Dido

    Think is right.

    hang together or hang separately.

    Yes he is right, and just what I typed, they should “work” together.

    If single SA nations insist on contracting individually, the continent will be stripped of its assets with the lowest common denominator of returns. This is the worst of all worlds for SA.

    Stripped of it's assets? by who? Aliens? Dude, don't know where you get your theory from, but it's complete BS (as usual)

    To negotiate AS A CONTINENT is to maximise trading returns for all SA nations.

    To negotiate AS A CONTINENT is tom maximise trading returns for all American nations. You should go back to your government school and learn Geography.

    Though SA nations currently fight like ferrets in a sack, their advantage is that they are ALL FERRETS.

    All FERRETS, include you that constantly type nonsense and whine.

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 01:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yul

    Is it possible below countries to configure a new union ?
    as their GDP :
    South Africa : 496 billions $
    Tanzania : 56 billions $
    Botswana : 27 billions $
    Mozambique : 22 billions $
    Zambia : 21 billions $
    Zimbabwe : 20 billions $
    Namibia : 15 billions $

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 10:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GeoffWard

    Fido #15.

    'Stripped of assets . . . ' :
    Fido,
    there are things called non-renewable resources which are obviously readily stripped - you know, like copper and lithium;
    there are things called renewable resources whose rate of exploitation can exceed the rate of replacement - you know, like trees.

    'To negotiate as a Continent . . ' :
    Fido,
    the continent is called South America.
    America is composed of TWO continents - North America and South America.

    ''All ferrets . . . . ' :
    You probably don't know what a ferret is, but it doesn't matter.
    Ferrets are individualistic, whereas Meercats are co-operative.
    Get it?

    Hope this helps.

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 05:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yul

    Shortly before, I watched Valencia--Real Madrid match ( 3/6)..
    There were too many Argentine/Brasilian players who have no
    mental/physical capabilities at Europe level ,made many goals opposite
    themselves...of course I had fun.....anyhow the footbal players are one of the main exporting goods of South America ? ,I wonder that their
    revenues are shown at related countries' foreign accounts ? funny.

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 06:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fido Dido

    there are things called non-renewable resources which are obviously readily stripped - you know, like copper and lithium;
    there are things called renewable resources whose rate of exploitation can exceed the rate of replacement - you know, like trees.

    Yeah and?

    “The continent is called South America.
    America is composed of TWO continents - North America and South America.”

    South America is a sub continent of the Americas (Continent America)
    Go back to your government school wherever that was. You failed your geography teacher, miserable.

    What makes you think that I don't know what a ferret is, huh? I gave you a compliment, you are a ferret, and a highly “intelligent” one that loves to whine....moron
    http://ferrettreat.net/

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 07:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • geo

    []
    where is Isolde ?
    she could comment in these subject if she Thinks and wants..
    if she Thinks here to write anythinks ,no need to be funky.

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 08:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yul

    If Forgetit97 were poster not Isolde in this forum it would be more productive.!.squandered.

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 08:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • geo

    [] 21-- hhmm

    I say ;

    Isolde

    You say ;

    Forgetit87

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 08:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GeoffWard

    All in all, this was a very good state/trade visit by the Brasilian delegation.
    It seems to have been WELL RESEARCHED and conducted with quiet, firm diplomacy, and produced some big outcomes - hopefully with 'perfect balance'.

    This woman Dilma may be what Brasil really needs.

    100 days and looking pretty good.

    If she has the balls to tackle the underlying problems - which I mention ad nauseum - Brasil may well prove worthy of its people,
    and we shall all then have to strive to be worthy of Brasil!

    Apr 23rd, 2011 - 10:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • chrisa083

    As a Peruvian American who was raised in New York, Tennessee and Miami, I have witnessed and read a lot about what happens in South America and have majored in Political Science and History. The person that said that South America is a subcontinent of North America is completely wrong. South America is its own continent and everyone knows that and represented as such for the past centuries, and this is the advantage that South America has and needs to use for its own sake and benefit. Now, culturally I've befriended people from all over South America and although there have been some differences, it was mostly cause I was raised in New York, but as I got older I got closer to people from South America and feel a real connection; when my partner who was raised in Brazil, spoke to my mom, it was incredible to see that they understood each other and where each was coming from. It was like they were on the same level and i learned a lot from that as I understand now that culturally, there are huge similiraties. Studying politics here, It would be for the benefit of Brazil and south america as a whole to continue on this integration path, because division does not bring success only further perplexity and animosity. I too, dream, that South America becomes closer to one. It took Europe almost 1500 years, as i read my history about their conflicts and wars to finally understand this. It should not take South America that long, to understand the importance of a union. Thank you.

    Apr 24th, 2011 - 01:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Tupinambá

    Despite the differences between the people of south america, both castilian and portuguese are very similar. The understanding between speakers of two languages ​​exists independently of geographical location.

    Apr 24th, 2011 - 02:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fido Dido

    South America is its own continent and everyone knows that and represented as such for the past centuries, and this is the advantage that South America has and needs to use for its own sake and benefit

    a Peruvian who lives in the US, holds a US passport and drank the kool aid. Dude (as they speak there), go back to your government school where they failed you teach that South America is a sub continent of the Americas (continent America). Even wikipedia gets that right. (South, Central, North, and the Caribbeans = The Americas=Continent America.) I repeat, From Alaska to Tiera del Fuego is Continent America.

    both castilian and portuguese are very similar

    They are “similiar” but not the same languages and they don't always understand each other. Portuguese and Spanish are to different languages.

    I too, dream, that South America becomes closer to one. It took Europe almost 1500 years,

    keep dreaming. It has been tried before under Bolivar and failed. It won't work (too many differences). The EU is a total failure. Haven't you watch news lately how it's falling apart? Again it was a dream realized and its now a nightmare what's fallig apart. It wont work, just like how the tower of Babel FAILED.

    Apr 25th, 2011 - 03:57 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (24) chrisao83 and (25) Tupinambá

    Positive comments from South-Americans that confirm my belief that ours is THE place on Earth where a social, cultural, economical and political union between Independent States will be successful.

    Apr 25th, 2011 - 05:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Frase

    Speaking purely of the everyday people, I get a much greater sense of continental unity and belonging from South Americans than I do from Europeans, I guess sharing a lot of history and two similar languages (they are distinct languages, but speaking Spanish, I found Portuguese incredibly easy to learn, and I'm sure it’s the same the other way) certainly helps.

    I'm sure that they exist, but I don't think I've actually met any South Americans opposed to closer integration with the rest of the continent, whereas I remember a lot of opposition to and negativity about the European Union from the outset.

    The European Union certainly isn't doing too well at the moment, to put it mildly, so UNASUR must take note and learn from these mistakes, the main problem at the moment for the E.U. seems to be an over-reliance on a runaway financial sector, which I don't think will be as much of a problem in South America.

    Whether it succeeds or not remains to be seen, I certainly hope that it does succeed, and that one day an independent Falklands is part of it.

    Apr 27th, 2011 - 12:24 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GeoffWard

    Frase, Think, etc.
    RIGHT.

    S.A. is a good world bet for integration. Language, ethnic coherences, similar states of development, more similar politico-economics than different ones, etc.

    South America CAN succeed in a UNASUR-type arrangement, and it will be for the common good.
    But it has to be able to 'work' on the world scale - if it is hijacked by the left or the right, politics will take the place of trade on centre-stage, and the chances of a general uplift towards First World conditions will be much reduced.

    This is why Think has to define Economic Democracy in terms that advance UNASUR's development, because there are so many models that would not advance this cause.

    Apr 27th, 2011 - 10:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0

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