Paraguay not interested in Mercosur if Venezuela holds the chair, says top official

Tuesday, July 9th 2013 - 01:50 UTC

Full article 6 comments

Paraguay called for practical sense from its Mercosur partners Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay to try and overcome the current impasse which could lead to a rift if Venezuela occupies the chair of the group at this week’s summit in Montevideo. Paraguay does not recognize Venezuela’s full membership because it was decided in its absence. Read full article

Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules

Conqueror
Quite right, Paraguay, this illegitimate organisation must be made to legitimise itself, or it should be abandoned. But I question whether the Paraguayan senate should vote to incorporate Venezuela. One does not “legitimise” by saying “Oh, alright, you've done it now so we'll agree”. Venezuela must return to its previous “hopeful” status until there has been adequate time to evaluate Maduro. He is, after all, the “son of Chavez”. He may be just as bad. Or worse.
Jul 09th, 2013 - 10:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Anglotino
Paraguay, if Mercosur wants Venezuela so much then you should oblige them and happily part company.

Don't let history and geography dictate your future.
Jul 09th, 2013 - 11:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
reality check
I will say this for Paraguay, at least they are being consistent in the foreign policy.

Strange that the weakest member (not my words) shows the strongest will.

All kudos to Paraguay, they stated their case and they are sticking by it, under the most difficult of circumstances.

Though, if we can judge from previous articles on here, they seem to be benefitting from the experience, both commercially and diplomatically.

They are showing that they are someone that the rest of the world can do “business” with.

There are not many countries like that, in that part of the world.

Whish them luck, not that they need it, because they seem to be making their own!
Jul 09th, 2013 - 02:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Baxter
Normally I tend to go on when Paraguay is discussed .But now I will say nothing since 1 , 2 and 3 have said it all . Many , many thanks for your support ! By the way the “ charming ” Uruguayan Foreign Minister has just confirmed that Venezuela will lead Mercosur since Paraguay is not a member ! Batten down the hatches my friends !
Jul 09th, 2013 - 11:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Fred
Mercosur should end and Brazil should make a free trade agreement with the US and Europe. Mercosur is not that good nor even to Brazil.
Jul 10th, 2013 - 12:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
etwas1
Paraguay had been a stumbling block for Mercosur on many fronts.
Venezuela's entry is a definite boost, and hopefully Ecuador and Bolivia will follow if Cartes decides to shun the offer to come back on board.
More likely, he will have to eat humble pie...
Jul 13th, 2013 - 07:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!