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Venezuela set to boost consensus among South American countries

Xinhua, March 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

Venezuela is set to promote consensus among countries in South American countries when it assumes the rotating presidencies of two key regional groups, a political observer said Tuesday.

"President (Nicolas) Maduro will assume two very big responsibilities, Unasur and Mercosur, where he will seek consensus and balance" in relations among their members, said Roy Daza, who is a prominent member of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

Venezuela is set to take over the rotating presidency of the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) on April 17, and the Mercosur (Southern Common Market) in July.

Both blocs complement and strengthen Latin America's objectives to further regional integration, Daza told state Venezolana de Television (VTV).

As part of that effort, he said, it was important to strengthen the role of the Bank of the South, especially at a time when global financial uncertainty makes regional lending and support mechanisms more essential.

The Bank of the South was officially established in 2009, but has yet to be put into operation.

Unasur gathers 12 South American countries. The trade bloc Mercosur comprises five members including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela. Endi