Venezuela will be a new member of the Mercosur

July 29, 2012

On Tuesday, the Mercosur Summit to be held in Brasilia will formalize Venezuela’s entry as a full member of the block.

The decision did not come without controversy, but the decision reflects a political, economic and energy need for the region.

The decision to incorporate Venezuela comes after 11 years and was adopted last June 29 in a closed-door meeting attended by the presidents of Argentina, Cristina Kirchner, Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, and Uruguay, Jose Mujica.

During that meeting, was taken at the same time another controversial political decision: to suspend Paraguay, the fourth partner in the bloc, arguing that the removal of President Fernando Lugo did not respect the democratic principles that guide the spirit of the block.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez confirmed his attendance at Brasilia to witness the incorporation of his country to the block.