An article in the Diario La R notes that “the ability of the South American bloc to act cohesively and effectively in the face of perceived threats” is being questioned.

The US military presence in the region, far from being an isolated fact, is part of a series of strategic movements that seek to show power and secure political and economic interests in a context of crisis, says the text.

Mercosur has the opportunity to position itself as a relevant player, defender of the sovereignty and self-determination of the South American peoples, added the text.

But the report notes that the lack of a unified voice in the Southern Common Market has been a constant in recent years.

Political differences between member states, coupled with the influence of external players, have made it difficult to formulate a coherent and robust response to the situation, the article says.

And assumes that “the need for a clear and forceful pronouncement on the American fleet becomes urgent, not only to support Venezuela, but also to reaffirm the principles of non-intervention and respect for sovereignty that should guide relations between Latin American nations”.

Mercosur’s silence in the face of the US military presence could be interpreted as a tacit acceptance of intervention, which could set a dangerous precedent for the region, adds the text.

On the contrary, a firm positioning could send a clear message: South America is able to solve its own problems and will not tolerate outside interference, concludes the Diario La R note.

abo/mem/ool