Today, the four Foreign Ministers of the Member States of MERCOSUR held a press conference at the Palacio San Martín, after meeting to analyze Venezuela’s institutional situation.
The Argentine Foreign Minister, Susana Malcorra, read a Statement signed this afternoon by the four countries, which is attached to this press release.
Malcorra told the press that: “This is a process that is under way and was launched in compliance with the Treaty of Asunción and its Protocols. Neither the OAS Democratic Charter nor the MERCOSUR Democratic Clause mean expelling the Member State involved, but closely following up the situation, offering support, finding solutions, engaging in dialogue, contributing and providing help to ensure that democratic principles are fully respected.”
“There are instruments adopted by OAS, Mercosur and Unasur as well that put the goals of human rights and democratic rights at the centre of our commitments. Therefore, discussing these issues is not ‘interference.’ Discussing these issues means returning to the basis of the commitments we all made when we joined Mercosur, but also the OAS,” she added.
In this regard, the Argentine Foreign Minister stated: “What we said here is what we are going to say at the OAS on Monday."
(Statement attached)
Press Release: Nº104/17
Press Office: 4819-7375 / 8296 / 7388
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