Mercosur's disarray and fault lines were again exposed when Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay insisted that Venezuela's self proclamation as president of the group was invalid, and also expressed disappointment with Uruguay for having ended its mandate last Saturday causing great uncertainty.
Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay have announced they do not support Venezuela as the pro tempore presidency of Mercosur, further deepening controversy in the group which could even hinder ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union and closer links with the Pacific Alliance.
Mercosur is again split over Venezuela because Paraguay, and apparently Brazil, have not been consulted regarding the decision to hand the pro tempore presidency of the block to Venezuela in July, as was agreed in Montevideo by Uruguay and Argentina.
Brazilian interim president Michel Temer will be absent from the next Mercosur summit scheduled to take place in Montevideo, and this decision is considered a strong message to the Venezuelan government of president Nicolas Maduro that will be taking the group's chair for the next six months.
Brazil wants a more flexible dynamic Mercosur which allows member countries to reach autonomous agreements with third parties, that can help overcome the de-industrialization process suffered by recent “populist governments”, said Brazilian foreign minister in a speech to the Sao Paulo State Federation of Industries, FIESP.
Brazil and Paraguay foreign ministers Jose Serra and Eladio Loizaga expressed deep concern with the Venezuela crisis situation, particularly the economic and human rights continued deterioration, and reiterated their two countries willingness to cooperate and promote dialogue.
Brazilian government would like to block Venezuela from taking the rotating presidency of Mercosur later this month, a move to further debilitate Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro's power, according to Planalto sources close to interim president Michel Temer, who admitted the proposal has yet to be discussed with other members.
Brazil and Argentina will work together to help find a solution to Venezuela's political crisis, Brazil's acting foreign minister said on Monday. Venezuela is facing a severe economic crisis, with the world's highest inflation and shortages. Polls indicate most Venezuelans want President Nicolas Maduro out of office.
Argentina and the new interim government of Brazil sealed this Monday their close relationship when foreign minister Jose Serra in a brief visit to Buenos Aires, his first overseas trip, met privately with President Mauricio Macri. . Earlier in the day the Brazilian official signed a memorandum of understanding for a bilateral mechanism of political coordination with his peer Susana Malcorra.
Argentina will be one of the main priorities for Brazil’s interim government under President Michel Temer, declared foreign minister José Serra who is expected this Monday in Buenos Aires for his first overseas trip. He is also anticipated a review and redraw of Mercosur plus agreements with the US, European Union and Japan.