Mercosur could remove Venezuela if Chávez remains in office forever


The Common Market of the South (Mercosur) could take out Venezuela of the bloc if President Hugo Chávez implements his plan for "everlasting office" by "manipulating democratic instruments," Brazilian daily O Globo stated in an editorial Tuesday, as quoted by Efe.

The article labels as "Chávez-like delusion" the ruler's attempt at conducting a referendum to be re-elected with no restrictions. O Globo, one of the most influential newspapers in Brazil, noted that Mercosur includes a democratic clause providing for removal of countries in the event of institutional breakdown.

Venezuela was admitted this current year as full member of Mercosur, the largest Latin American trade bloc including also Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

http://english.eluniversal.com/2006/09/05/en_eco_art_05A774471.shtml