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CARACAS, Thursday December 18, 2008 | Update

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Vote

Brazilian deputies okay Venezuela's membership in Mercosur

The vote in the Chamber of Deputies was 265-61 against, with six abstentions

After several meetings with the presidents of the member countries, Venezuela is now virtually a full member of the trade block (Photo: Antonio Lacerda / Efe)

Economy
The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved Wednesday night the protocol that allows Venezuela to join the Common Market of the South (Mercosur). The motion will be discussed later by the Brazilian Senate. Argentina and Uruguay, two of the other full members of Mercosur have already approved Venezuela's admission.

The vote in the Chamber of Deputies was 265-61 against, with six abstentions, AFP reported.

Some legislators who oppose the leftist government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voted against Venezuela's membership. They argue that Venezuela could disrupt international trade negotiations developed by the trade group with other countries. Brazil presides over Mercosur during the second half of 2008.

Lula had repeatedly said that his government was committed to achieving the full membership of Venezuela during his presidency.

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