Mercosur presidents voice concerns over Venezuela, Nicaragua
The presidents of Mercosur country members issued Monday (Jun. 18) two resolutions expressing concerns over the political and social landscape in Nicaragua and Venezuela, calling for a solution for the population.
The resolutions were read out loud by Uruguay’s President Tabaré Vázquez, who now leads Mercosur in place of Paraguay’s Horacio Cartes. The term as Mercosur’s pro tempore chair lasts six months.
The first resolution, Mercosur—a bloc formed by Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Bolivia’s membership process pending—condemns “all sorts of violence” in Nicaragua and calls for “dialog [to be] resumed” in order to “establish a peaceful solution to the severe crisis.”
The document also makes an appeal for authorities to “respect democracy as an institution and ensure the enforcement of the population’s right to protest.”
Crises
Since April, Nicaragua has experienced the most violent political crisis since the 1980’s. Thus far, some 200 people have been reported dead. Demonstrators take to the streets to protest against President Daniel Ortega, in power for 11 years, and for an overhaul in the country’s pension system.
In Venezuela, the political and economic crisis has made ripples. The presidents of Mercosur member countries voiced their concerns regarding the “increase in the migration flow of Venezuelans,” which forces neighboring countries to “spearhead efforts to fully address the matter of migration and shelter.”
The heads of state also urged Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to conduct joint efforts “with the international community” in a bid to find a solution to the crisis in the country. “[Mercosur has reiterated] its willingness and commitment in supporting its Venezuelan brothers in the efforts required.”
In 2017, Mercosur suspended Venezuela from the bloc for “splitting with democratic order.”
*Information from Agencia EFE
