Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed alarm at Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's recent remarks suggesting potential violence if he loses the upcoming election. Speaking in an interview with international news agencies, Lula condemned Maduro’s statements, which included threats of a “bloodbath” and “civil war,” as dangerous and unacceptable.
The discovery of cocaine and other hard drugs shipments to Europe from South American Atlantic ports is not new and despite all efforts, the network of contacts coupled with ingenious methods to adapt to circumstances and obviously a notorious degree of corruption, keeps information flowing.
Presidents Santiago Peña of Paraguay and Luis Lacalle Pou of Uruguay are to convene in Buenos Aires Wednesday to participate alongside Javier Milei in a conference on anti-terrorism which will be their first encounter after the July 8 Mercosur Summit in Asunción Milei skipped to avoid rubbing eyes with Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whom he dubbed a “corrupt communist” during the 2023 campaign and never apologized. The following day they will join again for the event marking the 30th anniversary of the bombing of the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA).
Argentine President Javier Milei's absence indeed highlighted the Southern Common Market's (Mercosur) Summit in Asunción. But only one week after his inauguration, attending the gathering was Panama's José Mulino, as his country is now eyeing its possible accession to Mercosur.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told his Bolivian counterpart Luis Arce Catacora during their encounter in Santa Cruz de la Sierra that there is no individual way out in South America, Agencia Brasil reported. Both leaders agreed that the bilateral meeting spelled the beginning of a new era in bilateral ties now that Bolivia is a full member of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur). It was Lula's first trip to Bolivia during his third term in office while Arce has been to Brazil four times in the past 12 months.
In addition to President Javier Milei not attending the 64th Southern Common Market Summit in Asunción, Argentina brought another dissenting note to the regional bloc when Foreign Minister Diana Mondino upheld the idea of brokering unilateral deals with foreign powers or blocs in blunt opposition to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's stance on the matter.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Sillva seized his speech Monday during the 64th Southern Common Market's Summit in Asunción to underline his Argentine colleague Javier Milei's absence without mentioning him explicitly.
Minutes before passing Mercosur's rotating presidency to Uruguay's Luis Lacalle Pou, Paraguayan head of state Santiago Peña pointed out Monday that during his 6-month tenure achievements had been made, albeit amid painful setbacks that have existed since the alliance was created. In addition, the Colorado ruler once again underlined the importance of fighting corruption and drug trafficking.
During the Summit of Mercosur Heads of State and Associate Members, President Luis Lacalle Pou delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the significance of Mercosur and advocating for greater openness within the bloc. Uruguay is set to assume the pro tempore presidency of Mercosur, and Lacalle Pou used this opportunity to address pressing regional issues and international trade agreements, particularly focusing on the recent political changes in Argentina.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña admitted that the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) was not going through the best of times as he prepared to host the bloc's Summit in Asunción Monday during which he is to hand over the grou's rotating presidency to Uruguay's Luis Lacalle Pou.