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 Antonio Lezama, one of Venezuela's main opposition leaders has been invited to address Brazilian Senate committees which are currently considering the long debated controversial incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur.
The metropolitan mayor of Caracas, Antonio Lezama will most probably address Senators from Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees on October 22 previous to the whole house vote a week later on the Venezuelan Mercosur protocol-adhesion papers.
Lezama is expected to support Venezuela's membership of Mercosur in spite of the fact President Hugo Chavez has described him as a "most dangerous oligarch on the payroll of the empire."
Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sent a bill to Congress requesting the admission of Venezuela to Mercosur in March 2007. The Lower House after much debate and clashes between the ruling Workers Party and the opposition finally approved the initiative in December 2008.
However, Lezama in a recent interview with Brazilian daily O Estado de S. Paulo, one of Brazil's most prestigious publications stated that Chavez "could turn out to be more dangerous if left isolated."
The metropolitan Caracas mayor added that "for us, the opposition to Chavez, it is important for him to be incorporated to Mercosur and other international forums that can in some way put limits to his actions. That would be most positive for Venezuelan democracy."
Senator Eduardo Suplicy from the ruling coalition anticipated that Lezama's testimonies before the upper house committees could be "very positive" and helpful in supporting the Venezuelan membership.
The interview to Lezama had a big impact on Brazilian senators where there is a growing opposition to who is considered an "authoritarian" leader on the limits of some "dictatorship practices", and a menace to Mercosur democratic commitment clause, according to another important daily O Globo.
The Foreign Affairs Committee rapporteur on Venezuela's incorporation to Mercosur, opposition Senator Tarso Jereissati has been repeatedly contrary to accepting "President Chavez Venezuela".
The Senate is also under strong lobbying from the main Brazilian conglomerates which are waiting for a favourable vote to move into Venezuela, which has shown interest in projects valued at billions of dollars.
Lawmakers from Argentina and Uruguay have already supported Venezuela's incorporation as full member of Mercosur with the Brazilian and Paraguayan congresses pending approval.
Mercopress
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You did not give me answer to my points then; thus, I am reposting it here since it is appropriate to the above article concerning Venezuela and Chaves.
written by The Guest, October 02, 2009
João: "There is a different between "Visionary leadership" and "Populist Leadership". The question is what sort of "leadership", Latin America needs at this moment and depending on the answer Brazil can chalk its destiny as a leader. "
The Guest: You are right, there is a difference between "Visionary leadership" and "Populist Leadership" and at this moment in Latin America a leader with a combination of both is needed. Are you telling me that Brasil is not ready to stand up to the challenge, and if not, why and when?
In my opinion, Brasil should be concentrating on resolving conflicts within Latin America while at the same time minimizing Chaves influence and interference in the region. Forget the pipe dream of being a member of the disfunctional UN Security Council and concentrate on the backyard where leadership could effect change.
João: "Why should we control the good Col.Chavez.? After all he is a great "amigo" of our President, isn't he?"
The Guest: Have you ever heard the the following phrases "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer." and "With friends like these who needs enemies." Remember, diplomacy is not written in stone.
João: "Unfortunately, you didn't participate much under the article written by August about "Polarization of Latin America". I am of the opinion that it is inevitable and to the delight of Russians, Americans, French, British and German Armament Industries. Of course, my apologies for not including the Chinese manufacturers of consumer goods."
"If you do not understand what I am talking about, I suggest your reading the books recommended by Dr.Lloyd Cata. Especially the one titled "Last Plantation"
The Guest: Polarization will only take place if we allow it to happen. We may not be able stop the "merchants of death" from selling us their weapons, but it does not mean that we have to use them against ourselves. This is where Brasilian leadership is needed and now is the right time.