Paraguay backs Venezuela's bid for full membership of Mercosur
www.chinaview.cn 2008-04-02 13:28:00
CARACAS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay supports Venezuela's bid for full membership of the Common Market of the South (Mercosur), visiting Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez said here Tuesday.
At a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, Ramirez said Venezuela is an energy power and plays a leading role in regional issues. Therefore, it is necessary for Mercosur to accept Venezuela as its full member.
He believes Venezuela's entrance will promote the regional integration process, the foreign minister added.
Ramirez also said Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte Frutos is a firm supporter of Venezuela's Mercosur membership.
The Paraguayan parliament is discussing the issue and the government will urge the legislative body to approve Venezuela's bid as soon as possible, he added.
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