Venezuela OK’d for MERCOSUR
Prensa Latina, Cuba
Venezuela OK’d for MERCOSUR
22 November 2007
Brasilia, Nov 22 (Prensa Latina) The Commission of the Constitution and Justice (CCJ) of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved the entrance of Venezuela to the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR).
Adhesion of Venezuela to the South American economic block received a majority vote in favor with 44 deputies while only 17 voted against.
Those who supported the entrance of Venezuela to MERCOSUR were members of the government coalition parties and opposition Socialismo y Libertad (PSOL) and Verde (PV).
Those opposed were the neoliberal parties, Democrata (DEM), Socialdemocrata (PSDB) and Popular Socialista (PPS).
The next step is to present the decision in a plenary session of the Chamber and if approved at this instance it passes to the Senate.
The project ratifies the protocol signed in Caracas in July of 2006 by members of the block representing Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Shortly before the vote, Brazilian Finance minister, Guido Mantega gave his full support.
The economist recalled that the neighboring country is an important balance of bilateral trade that is favoring Brazil to the tune of three billion dollars.
For Mantega, the entrance of Venezuela strengthens MERCOSUR since the block of South American countries gains caliber as more members join.
