Brasília, 3 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The presidents of Mercosur member countries, plus Bolivia and Chile, associate members, will issue a joint declaration on the world economic situation during a Mercosur Summit to be held this week in Buenos Aires. The note will express concern because the world economic situation has made it difficult for developing nations to consolidate their economic gains. The leaders will also explain their position with regard to future negotiations for integration with other economic blocks in the western hemisphere, Europe and Asia.

Also attending the summit will be the president of Mexico, Vicente Fox. It is possible that during the summit Mercosur and Mexico will sign an agreement on preferential tariffs involving autos and some other 800 items. (AB)