ASUNCION, Paraguay, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Venezuela's membership in the Mercosur trade bloc remains in doubt because of deep divisions in Paraguay, the last of the full members whose assent will give Caracas entry into the organization.
After much political bickering and passionate debates earlier this month, Venezuela won approval for its full membership of Mercosur from a deeply divided Brazilian Senate. The approval was delayed as senators criticized Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for suppressing the country's independent press and the opposition.
But Paraguayan ratification of Venezuela's full membership of Mercosur is now mired in controversy and bitter political wrangling because, in addition to the opposition's dominance of Congress, the government of President Fernando Lugo is split over the critical vote.
The opposition has clearly set out its plans to oppose Venezuela's entry into Mercosur. However, within Lugo's own ranks, too, there is reluctance over giving Chavez yet another platform for his fiery rhetoric.
A heated war of words between Chavez and Colombian leaders has deteriorated into a military confrontation on the border, with Chavez warning of an imminent conflict.
Chavez opposes a Colombian agreement to let U.S. forces use military bases in the country to fight the drug cartels.
He insists the anti-drug war is a ruse and he is the real target for a U.S.-led military initiative.
Both Colombian and U.S. officials have dismissed Chavez's claims.
In Paraguay, pro-Venezuela politicians have asked for a cooling-off period, arguing Congress will be more receptive to a motion in favor of ratifying Venezuela's admission next year, when congressional leadership and possibly political orientation is likely to change.
Last week Brazilian media reported President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was putting pressure on Lugo and the Paraguayan Congress to facilitate Venezuela's entry into Mercosur. But Lugo's aides denied this.
"Brazil has not officially requested anything of the sort," Paraguayan Foreign Affairs Minister Hector Lacognata said when asked about the reports.
Analysts said Lugo's ruling coalition has been unable to muster the necessary votes in the Senate to approve Venezuela's incorporation.
Part of the problem is the lawmakers' anger over disparaging remarks Chavez made about their political affiliations, calling them pawns of the oligarchy, in about the same way that Chavez offended Brazilian senators, who he castigated for being pro-United States.
Brazil argues oil-rich Venezuela's entry into Mercosur would improve business prospects for the entire trade bloc because of Venezuelans' appetite for consumer goods and luxuries.
Other senators want Venezuela admitted because they calculate it would help to counterbalance Brazil's dominance of Mercosur.
