After more than a quarter-century of debate, the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur will today sign a sweeping agreement in Asunción, creating one of the world's largest free-trade areas.
Agreed in Brussels last week despite fierce opposition from European farmers who fear for their bottom line, the pact is finally set to be signed in the Paraguayan capital.
However, not even the historic nature of the deal has been able to unite the Mercosur’s leaders – Brazil government sources say President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will not attend the ceremony, despite being one of the biggest promoters of the accord.
A source said the signing was initially planned as a ministe
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