Temer: Mercosur acknowledges “break with democratic order” in Venezuela

There is no longer room for political repression in South America, the

Published on 21/07/2017 - 17:17 By Yara Aquino reports from Agência Brasil - Brasília

Mendoza / Argentina - Foto oficial da 50 Cúpula de Chefes de Estado do Mercosul.( Alan Santos/PR)

Mendoza/Argentina - Official photo of the 50th Mercosur Summit meetingAlan Santos/PR

During a plenary Mercosur Summit session held Friday (Jul 21) in Mendoza, Argentina, President Michel Temer said that the chancellors in the bloc have formally recognized “the break with the democratic order” in Venezuela and that other member countries will not accept setbacks in silence. The bloc, Temer said, is “inexorably committed” to the word “democracy.”

“Our message is clear: we've achieved democracy in our region after great sacrifice, and we will not remain silent, nor will we stand still before possible setbacks,” Temer said.

The Brazilian president said he has kept a watchful eye on the situation in Venezuela and that it is natural that government styles vary across the region, but argued that complying with the rule of law is paramount. In his view, there is no more room for arbitrary arrests, measures of political repression, and acts incompatible with democratic principles in South America.

The president believes that Venezuela's needs “take the form of a humanitarian crisis,” and that Brazil is ready to join the voices calling for the return of democracy. “We're deeply sensitive to the deterioration of the political and institutional landscape, the social needs that take the form of a humanitarian crisis in this partner country,” he went on to say.

Pro tempore presidency

In today's meeting, Brazil takes the pro tempore presidency of Mercosur for a six-month mandate. President Michel Temer said that Brazill will found its leadership on dialog and responsibility and will be strongly committed to negotiations to forge a deal with the European Union.

Temer also pledged that his government will work to strengthen ties between Mercosur member countries and those of the Pacific Alliance. He mentioned figures according to which Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance combined are home to 80% of the population of Latin America. Another goal will be to seek closer relations with Asian partners. The Brazilian president also noted that, in face of persistent protectionist efforts, isolation must be shunned and integration encouraged. “Closing oneself to the other is an obstacle to development,” he concluded.

Mercosur is formed by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. In 2012, Venezuela was admitted as member of the economic bloc and is currently suspended due to the complicated social and political situation facing the country.


Translated by Fabrício Ferreira


Fonte: Temer: Mercosur acknowledges “break with democratic order” in Venezuela

Edition: Kleber Sampaio / Olga Bardawil

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