Mercosur backs new Bolivian government

ASUNCION, Paraguay, June 20 (UPI) -- South American leaders from the Mercosur trade bloc expressed their support Monday for the new Bolivian leader who recently came to power.

At a summit in the Paraguayan capital, leaders said they backed Bolivian President Eduardo Rodriguez, who was voted into power by Congress after former President Carlos Mesa resigned following weeks of protests.

They also introduced plans for monitoring human rights among the nations and improving trade ties.

Mercosur is comprised of member nations Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Associate members include Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela.