Foz do Iguaçu (PR), August 18, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - On Friday (15), at a meeting in Assunción, Paraguay, the Presidents of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay decided that they will work on behalf of integration between the Mercosur and the Andean Community. The heads of State intend to establish free trade among the members of the two blocs by the end of this year. Between now and then, four meetings of technical experts and a meeting of Ministers of Foreign Relations are scheduled.

According to the Minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, Brazil is in favor of a policy for the bloc to give privileged treatment to its less developed members. This demand was voiced by the new President of Paraguay, Nicanor Duarte.

President Lula and nine heads of South American States attended Duarte's inauguration in Assunción on Friday. (DAS).