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| Caribbean-Latin America |
| Paraguay and the United States: |
| 2005-10-04 |
| As a complement to Brazil, via Bros. Judd: Landlocked in South America's sweaty heart, Paraguay achieved independence in 1811 but waited a century and a half for its first visit by a head of state from outside Latin America, Charles de Gaulle, in 1964. So it is not surprising that visiting dignitaries cause a stir. Donald Rumsfeld, the United States' defence secretary, caused more than that when he dropped by in August. The media in nearby Argentina and Brazil saw the visit as a prelude to a permanent American base in Paraguay and the country's withdrawal from Mercosur, a four-country trade block dominated by Brazil. That prompted Brazil to lay down the law. âParaguay must understand that the choice is between Mercosur and other possible partners,â declared Celso Amorim, Brazil's foreign minister, last month. --SNIP-- There's lots of good stuff, but I found this particularly amusing: For Paraguay, the main worry is Mercosur, and Brazil in particular. Although trade within Mercosur is supposed to be free, Paraguay complains that its neighbours strangle its exports in red tape. When convenient, Brazil ignores its Mercosur partners, for example by awarding China âmarket economyâ status. Paraguay recognises Taiwan. Its Mercosur partners âproclaim integration but work very slowly toward achieving it,â laments Luis Alberto Castiglioni, the vice-president. The 300,000 Brazilians who have settled in Paraguay own many of its most productive farms. But they speak Portuguese, prefer samba to local music, and their children attend Brazilian schools. One day, some Paraguayans fear, Brazil's flag will follow its culture. âOur sovereignty is threatened by Brazil, not by the United States,â says Carlos Mateo Balmelli, a senator from the opposition Liberals. --SNIP-- And Hugo's causing trouble, quelle suprise. |
| Posted by:anonymous2u |
| #1 They have a little history there. Check the population vs. losses column. |
| Posted by: Jirt Omager7355 2005-10-04 20:35 |