Marina Sarruf, special envoy*
Brasília – The president of Uruguay, Tabaré Vazquez, stated today (10), that the Mercosur needs to expand its relations and advance in the political field. This information was disclosed at the Blue Tree Hotel, where the heads of state of the Arab and South American countries are meeting.
"Our proposal is to continue with the integration process and to find mechanisms for the solution of controversies that arise among the member countries. We must advance to a political Mercosur with the installation of a parliament," declared Vazquez.
With regard to the economic discussions between Brazil and Argentina, the president stated that the Mercosur is a customs union to reduce import tariffs, however, this does not mean that the countries in the block should not compete among themselves.
*Translated by Mark Ament
