Photo credit: Cancillería del Ecuador, “Inauguración de la XLIII Cumbre de Jefes y Jefas de Estado del MERCOSUR y Estados Asociados,” CC BY-SA 2.0.

Mercosur’s Working Group on Terrorism

Summary

Mercosur’s Terrorism Working Group was established in 1999. After September 11, 2001, this Working Group was joined by a Permanent Working Group (GTP), which employs experts in foreign affairs, finance, experts in intelligence, antiterrorism, secret services, and justice ministers of the Mercosur full members to coordinate efforts against regional terrorist threats. The Permanent Working Group engages in data sharing and coordinated action with the participation of delegates from Mercosur full members. The group aims to undertake effective action against dormant and active regional terrorists, while preserving the values and rights of Mercosur societies. The GTP exercises respect for the intrinsic texture of Mercosur and its population, with emphasis on the varying ethnic origins and religious beliefs that peacefully coexist and constructively share tolerance and democratic values. The GTP is exclusively regional, without additional membership or alliances outside Mercosur, and normal contacts with other intelligence-gathering organizations.

Members

The members of Mercosur include Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia*, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. Its associate countries are Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana**, and Suriname**.

*In the process of accession to Mercosur; **in the process of ratification.