MERCOSUR

Presidential Declaration on Commitment to Democracy in Mercosur 25 June 1996

The Argentine Republic , the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of Paraguay and the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, hereinafter referred to as "the Parties",

Reaffirming the principles and objectives of the Treaty of Asunción,

Reiterating the terms of the Presidential Declaration of Las Leñas of 26 and  27 June 1992 , to the effect that the full implementation of democratic institutions is essential to the existence and development of MERCOSUR,

Recalling that the solidarity of the American States and their lofty aims require that the political organization of these States be based on the effective exercise of representative democracy,

Agree as follows:

1. The full implementation of democratic institutions is an essential condition for cooperation under the Treaty of Asunción, its Protocols and other subsidiary acts.

2. Any change in the democratic order constitutes an unacceptable obstacle to the continuity of the ongoing integration process in the member State affected.

3. In the event of a breach or threat of a breach of the democratic order in a member State , the Parties shall immediately consult among themselves in the manner they deem appropriate. The Parties shall also take coordinated measures to hold consultations with the member State in question.

4. If the consultations referred to in the preceding paragraph prove unsuccessful, the Parties shall consider the application of appropriate measures. Such measures may range from the suspension of the right to participate in MERCOSUR meetings to suspension of the rights and obligations arising from the norms of MERCOSUR and from agreements concluded between each of the Parties and the State where the breach of the democratic order occurred.

5. The Parties shall include a clause affirming their commitment to democratic principles in MERCOSUR agreements with other countries or groups of countries.

DONE on 25 June 1996 at Potrero de los Funes, San Luis Province, Argentina.