Economy
The Brazilian Senate will approve on Wednesday the accession of Venezuela into the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) said on Tuesday Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva, during the presidential summit of the bloc.

The announcement was welcomed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who is also attending the meeting held in Montevideo. The presidents of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are also participating in the meeting, DPA reported.

Chávez urged the Paraguayan Congress to approve the entry of his country to Mercosur, in order to become a full member of the bloc. Venezuela made this request "eleven years ago," Chávez recalled.

To become a full member of the bloc, a country needs the political will expressed by the presidents of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, which must be ratified by their respective congresses.

So far, Venezuela is only waiting for the decision of the Brazilian Senate, where the Chamber of Deputies has already approved Venezuela's entry, and the Paraguayan Congress.

"We hope that they approve a decision that benefits the entire region. As a result, Mercosur will reach the Caribbean and the Orinoco; it will become greater," Chávez said. He said, "a fifth star must be added to Mercosur flag."

"We think that there is still time to strengthen all these spaces. Notwithstanding the fact that Venezuela is or not a full member of Mercosur or is about to become a member, we will keep struggling for integration. We must fight to be united: On the contrary, we will be dominated. Full union makes strength," Chávez highlighted.