Uruguay blames Argentina over Sarkozy's 'tax haven' accusations

Opposition leaders in Uruguay accused Argentina of “exerting pressure inside the G20 and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)” so the neighbouring country would be labeled a “tax haven,” the Montevideo media said.

Last Friday, while addressing the G20 presidents present, French president Nicolas Sarkozy urged the international community to “isolate Uruguay because it is a tax haven.” 

His statements generated a formal complaint from the Uruguayan government.

But the Uruguayan opposition has now backed their government and is blaming Argentina for Sarkozy’s statements. 

“His statements come from an accusation made before the OECD by Argentina against Uruguay,” senator and Partido Colorado’s leader Pedro Bordaberry said.

Senator Jorge Larrañaga, from the opposing Partido Nacional urged both Argentine and Brazilian governments to clarify where they stand on the matter. 

“Are these our trade Partners?” he wondered. “Let them reject or support Sarkozy’s statements. And if they do agree, maybe we should reconsider our membership to the Mercosur,” Larrañaga warned.

Since 2009 Uruguay was extended its network of bilateral treaties on tax information, but the OECD considers this insufficient since the country hasn’t come to an agreement with any of its “relevant partners,” namely Argentina and Brazil.