The tense relations between Brazil and Paraguay were the main subject in debate during the first part of the session of Mercosul Parliament held on Monday (3). Five Paraguayan representatives criticized a Brazilian military maneuver near the Brazil-Paraguay border, in October.Paraguayan Representative Nelson Alderete considered a declaration attributed to Brazilian general José Carvalho Siqueira as an act of “intimidation”. According to such declaration, a military occupation of Itaipu power plant could take place if an order was given by president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
In response, senator Marisa Serrano (PSDB-MS) reminded that she was born near the border with Paraguay, and that there have always been military drills in both sides. She also said that the Brazilian government informed Paraguay of the operation.
- Brazil is interested and deeply committed to integration and has no intention of displaying strength to Paraguay – said Marisa.
Soon after Marisa’s statement, four Paraguayan representatives spoke of the bilateral relations. Eric Salum stressed that the military drill was seen as an act of intimidation, during a sensitive moment, when the renegotiation of Itaipu and the situation of the brasiguaios – Brazilian rural producers living in Paraguay – are bringing tension to the relation between Brazil and Paraguay.
Angel Barchini, a representative from Paraguay, considered the drill “absolutely unnecessary” and specially condemned an alleged violation of Paraguayan territory by Brazilian helicopters. Ricardo Canese said that these situations should not be repeated, “because of the misinterpretations they might cause”. Modesto Guggiari argued that people should not focus only in what newspapers report, but, instead, look for negotiated solutions.
The president of the Brazilian Representation to the Mercosul Parliament, senator Aloizio Mercadante (PT-SP), answered to the Paraguayan representatives. First, he explained that the bill regulating the activities of vendors at the bilateral border – the so-called sacoleiros – is behindhand, and that he is trying to take a fast solution to the issue.
The senator said that Itaipu’s situation will be discussed during a public hearing at the end of the month. He reinforced that Paraguay was informed of the military maneuver in May, with five months in advance. He also conceded that the statements of the Brazilian general were “inappropriate”, and do not express Brazil’s position. Mercadante defended more bilateral negotiations.
- We must face our issues with dialogue and integration – he suggested. (Agência Senado)
Soon after Marisa’s statement, four Paraguayan representatives spoke of the bilateral relations. Eric Salum stressed that the military drill was seen as an act of intimidation, during a sensitive moment, when the renegotiation of Itaipu and the situation of the brasiguaios – Brazilian rural producers living in Paraguay – are bringing tension to the relation between Brazil and Paraguay.
Angel Barchini, a representative from Paraguay, considered the drill “absolutely unnecessary” and specially condemned an alleged violation of Paraguayan territory by Brazilian helicopters. Ricardo Canese said that these situations should not be repeated, “because of the misinterpretations they might cause”. Modesto Guggiari argued that people should not focus only in what newspapers report, but, instead, look for negotiated solutions.
The president of the Brazilian Representation to the Mercosul Parliament, senator Aloizio Mercadante (PT-SP), answered to the Paraguayan representatives. First, he explained that the bill regulating the activities of vendors at the bilateral border – the so-called sacoleiros – is behindhand, and that he is trying to take a fast solution to the issue.
The senator said that Itaipu’s situation will be discussed during a public hearing at the end of the month. He reinforced that Paraguay was informed of the military maneuver in May, with five months in advance. He also conceded that the statements of the Brazilian general were “inappropriate”, and do not express Brazil’s position. Mercadante defended more bilateral negotiations.
- We must face our issues with dialogue and integration – he suggested. (Agência Senado)
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário