South American Union Possible, Says Chavez
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said that the South American Union is today more possible than ever before, as a geopolitical, economical, social project to organize and shape the Great Nation.

Chavez stressed that the union is the only path towards the peoples" comprehensive development. If we failed to undertake pro-integration projects, we would remain condemned to underdevelopment, backwardness and violence," he added.

He made his remarks after a private meeting with his visiting Argentine counterpart Nestor Kirchner at the Miraflores Palace, where they signed a strategic alliance between both nations.

Kirchner arrived in Caracas on Monday to attend a special presidential summit of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) to sanction the protocol for Venezuela"s joining the group.

The meeting will also make official Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay"s joining of the Gas Pipeline of the South, which was already signed by Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela.

On his part, Kirchner highlighted the importance of the strategic alliance signed with Venezuela for both countries" economic, social development.

He said Venezuela"s joining of MERCOSUR is "a qualitative step to consolidate regional prospects and projections towards the world and within the region."

Documents signed by Argentina and Venezuela include joint technical assistance to improve living conditions, as well as actions to be carried out by oil companies in the exploration and tapping of both countries" reserves.