March 16 (UPI) -- Colombia and Venezuela said they will seek full membership in the Mercosur trade bloc amid an internal debate within the South American group over how to deepen its integration before a broad trade agreement with the European Union enters into force. Venezuela joined as a full member in 2012, but was suspended in 2017 after the bloc activated its democratic clause because of the political crisis under the government of Nicolas Maduro . Colombian President Gustavo Petro said of