Paraguayan Congress will remain blocking Venezuela's entry into Mercosur trade bloc "as long as President Hugo Chávez continues intervening in foreign affairs", stated the Head of the Senate, Miguel Carrizosa, just a day after Brazilian lawmakers approved the incorporation.

"The atmosphere in our Senate tells us not to approve Chávez's entry into Mercosur", added the Carrisoza. "This has nothing to do with our Venezuelan brothers: we really appreciate them. Unfortunately, their president is nowadays interfering in foreign affairs", he specified. Chávez had been strongly criticized by Paraguayan opposition lawmakers months ago, after he stated that the right-wing government sector was designing a plan to overthrow their President, Fernando Lugo.

Last Tuesday, the Senate of Brazil ratified Venezuela's entry into Mercosur as a full member after approving the country's Protocol of Accession by 35 votes in favor and 27 against in the ratification process.