EU considering a new round of discussions with Mercosur before end of 2012

Saturday, July 21st 2012 - 07:28 UTC

Full article 4 comments

The European Union - Mercosur trade negotiations calendar has been delayed and its full resumption is expected to take place in September or soon after, reports the EU press office in Montevideo.

However a round of EU/Mercosur discussions originally scheduled to take place this month “has been delayed until at least next September”, added the press office.

Earlier this week the EU Parliament sent a fact finding in situ delegation of MEPs to assess and later report on the Paraguayan situation.

The delegation included MEP Luis Yañez-Barnuevo from Spain who acted as a spokesperson for the group.

“We hope that the next elections will be held in a framework of social peace, respect for human rights and transparency. We are here to help promote dialogue and social peace and if Paraguay requests the presence of EU observers we will consider it and assess the possibility of sending a mission”, underlined Yañez-Barnuevo”.

Finally the Spanish MEP pledged that the EU will maintain its support and cooperation programs with Paraguay.

As a consequence of the current situation Mercosur has suspended full member Paraguay until next year’s elections, meaning they will not attend any EU discussions until then.

Categories: Politics, Latin America, Mercosur, Paraguay.

Tags: EU-Mercosur, European Parliament/Mercosur, Luis Yañez-Barnuevo Garcia, Paraguay.

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Conqueror
This should ensure NO EU/mercosur discussions before May 2013. But then, if Paraguay is reinstated, it will no doubt object to the inclusion of Venezuela. And that will mean further delays whilst the others agree to exclude Venezuela or relegate it to “associate” status. So “discussions” with the EU should be at least a year away.
Jul 21st, 2012 - 12:06 pm 0
Englander
Waste of time.
Jul 21st, 2012 - 12:55 pm 0
British_Kirchnerist
Don't expect the EU to forever put its own interest behind those of the plucky litle Paraguyan oligarchy
Jul 21st, 2012 - 04:51 pm 0

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