Meanwhile, Chavez was in Uruguay Tuesday for a meeting of the Latin American trade bloc Mercosur. The group brings together Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Bolivian President Evo Morales also attended. Chavez called the pact a step towards further regional unity.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez: “Venezuela wants to join Mercosur to help more than anything. That is what motivates us: to help, to modestly help. We want to join ourselves, add ourselves and our modest powers to the great power of the southern union. I believe that on the destiny of Mercosur depends the destiny of South America.”