Chavez Proposes South American Union [View All]

[AGENDA21]

Caracas, Apr 22 (Prensa Latina) After its withdrawal from the Andean Community of Nations (CAN), Venezuela steps up its role in the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) as a step towards a South American Union.

While ratifying his country´s leaving of CAN for being ineffective after the signing of free trade agreements with the US by some of its members, President Hugo Chavez reiterated the pro-integration projection of his next steps.

An aspect clearly established in the concept of Venezuela´s foreign policy is that withdrawal from CAN is not an isolationist attempt, but rather reflects the criterion that the bloc has departed from the principle of cooperation.

In Chavez´ opinion, instead of looking for asymmetrical relations with the US, what the current situation demands is increased awareness on the importance of "a nation of republics" assumed by indigenous ancestors.

http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID=%7bBB6F54AC-96C2-46FD-A305-2F2F1DBA3091%7d)&language=EN