Leaders across Latin America are slamming the US following Brazilian newspaper reports that a massive US spy program is widely targeting data on emails and telephone calls across the region.
The data includes information on energy, not just that relating to military, political or terror topics.
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez says the latest revelations have sent shivers down her spine. She called on leaders of the regional trade bloc Mercosur to address the issue when they meet this week.
"I hope that now in the Mercosur meeting this Thursday, the presidents will take a strong stance against this and ask for explanations amid these revelations. More than revelations, they’re confirmations of what we already feared was happening," Cristina Fernandez said.