![]() But for Paraguay, as well as Uruguay, the same problems remain, Brazil and Argentina privilege their own markets and interests, have downgraded Mercosur's objectives and charter, and both junior members are openly committed for the group to reach a much postponed trade and cooperation agreement with the European Union. The decision had been stalled for years since the Paraguayan Senate did not believe in the democratic or libertarian credentials of Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian revolution.įinally new elections were held, conservative Cartes and the Colorado party were back in office and Paraguay gradually reinstated to its full memberships in Mercosur and Unasur. ![]() Taking advantage of its absence the rest of the members, finally, after years of delay Mercosur voted for Venezuela to become a full member of the group. Uruguay's strong approach to Paraguay and president Horacio Cartes, marks a difference from what happened in 2012 when president Fernando Lugo was removed from office following impeachment by the Paraguayan Senate, and Mercosur and Unasur suspended the country from the two blocks arguing the whole political conflict had been 'non democratic'.Īt the time former president Jose Mujica stated an argument that still echoes in much of a surprised region, 'sometimes the political is more important than the juridical' to justify sanctions on land locked Paraguay, and the weakest of Mercosur members. Perazza also announced that he was organizing the visit of a delegation of Paraguayan officials from the government and private sector to Uruguay with the purpose of increasing port links, possible energy transfer and more consistent trade links. Precisely Uruguay and Paraguay hold observer status in the alliance, despite Brazil and Argentina, which are more protective of their domestic markets and industries. ![]() The recently empowered Uruguayan government of President Tabaré Vázquez through its foreign minister Nin Novoa has been critical of the Mercosur workings and has called for more sincerity, transparency, and a greater opening to third markets, including closer links with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico). Perazza also recalled that next July Paraguay will be holding the Mercosur chair for six months and following that period it will be Uruguay's turn. “Our purpose is to give a strong line of continuity to those issues that make to regional integration, and improve the foreign agenda of Mercosur and its many challenges” said Uruguayan ambassador in Asunción, Federico Perazza following a meeting with Paraguay's deputy foreign minister Rigoberto Gauto. Uruguay's strong approach to Paraguay and president Cartes, marks a difference from 2012 when president Fernando Lugo was removed from office A Unasur ministerial meeting had to be postponed and scheduled for Quito following an incident involving Maduro who suggested Uruguay's vicepresident was a 'coward'įresh from an incident with Venezuela which delayed and displaced a Unasur meeting, the Uruguayan government is looking for closer relations with the conservative administration of Paraguay, putting the emphasis on regional integration but also in making Mercosur a more open and dynamic trade and cooperation block.
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