Everybody's been talking about Chavez's visit to Uruguay over the last couple of days, so I figured it would be worth it taking a moment and writing some thoughts on the matter. Chavez is doing a tour across south american countries to nail his acceptance in the Mercosur block, yet to be definitively approved. As a part of this tour it has visited Uruguay. Visit which took place yesterday and today. During his stay Chavez talked about the sea of oil Venezuela has, which is willing to share with his south american friends. Uruguay and Venezuela signed today an Energy Security treaty which in Chavez words will assure Uruguay a provision of oil and natural gas for a hundred years. On the other hand, Uruguay continues to play this game where with one hand shakes Bush's grip, with the other it taps Chavez on the back and welcomes him to the Mercosur party. Uruguay wants to be everyone's allied. Uruguay's president, Tabare Vazquez publicly expressed his support for Venezuela's membership acceptance into the block. In my opinion the entrance of Venezuela benefits Uruguay for sure in the short term. It provides a new actor in the Mercosur scene that will shake the Brazilian-Argentinean hegemony of power in the block, giving the smaller members a greater chance to be heard on their claims, plus it's always good to have a friend with plenty of spare oil. At the same time the constitution of the Mercosur states that all member countries must be democracies. Chavez was elected democratically, no question about that, but the direction of his actions, and of his government are not(when can it be said that a man is a dictator?) So, the question remains if including someone with this dictatorial tendencies will be good in the long term, when everyone that criticizes Chavez actions is labeled by him as a puppet of Bush, shutting up everyone that thinks different than him....
3 comments:
Hi Gabo
I actually disagree with your assessment that Venezuela membership in Mercosur will benefit Uruguay.
Actually, there will be one more bully, that's all it means, and we have lost our bargaining chip, which was conferring our approval.
After Venezuela is officially in, it will drop the courtship and we'll just be left in the same old position.
Also, the strong ties Venezuela has established with Argentina (witness suitcase-gate) make it unlikely that Venezuela will take our side on any matter, whether trade or politics-related.
arrancopelito, it's an interesting point the one you bring up, and I have to agree is one possible outcome.
Still I think, on third big country can only benefit us. If what you say actually happens, Brazil might seek allies in smaller countries like Uruguay and Paraguay to pass laws, within Mercosur. So as I see it in one way or another, someone will be looking for Uruguay's favor.
Interesting topic...What is Mercosur?
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