VOICED : Paraguay aprueba ingreso de Venezuela

Paraguayan deputies approved Venezuela's protocol to join MERCOSUR, with support from the ruling party. Venezuela, already backed by Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay since 2012, now joins with full rights. Paraguay had delayed approval since 2006 due to human rights concerns under Hugo Chávez. Paraguay was suspended from MERCOSUR in 2012 after President Fernando Lugo's removal, but was reinstated when Horacio Cartes became president. The deputies also lifted the non grata status on Nicolás Maduro, in place since 2012.

Which political party in Paraguay supported Venezuela's accession to MERCOSUR?

• Green Party

• Socialist Party

• Colorado Party

• Liberal Party

Which countries initially supported Venezuela's membership in MERCOSUR in 2012?

• Chile, Bolivia, and Peru

• Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil

• Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay

• Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia

Why did Paraguay's Congress delay the approval of Venezuela's accession to MERCOSUR?

• Human rights violations

• Economic concerns

• Trade disagreements

• Political instability

What event led to Paraguay's suspension from MERCOSUR in 2012?

• Economic crisis

• Impeachment of President Fernando Lugo

• Military coup

• Trade embargo

What action did the Paraguayan deputies take regarding Nicolás Maduro?

• Imposed sanctions

• Declared him a national hero

• Revoked his non-grata status

• Invited him for a state visit