Brazil’s BRICS Blockade on Venezuela: A Comedy of Trust
Well, well, well! If it isn’t another diplomatic tango that’s turned into something resembling a game of Twister, with Brazil grappling to keep Venezuela’s foot off the mat. Yes, my friends, Brazil has officially hit the “block” button on Venezuela’s entry into the BRICS club. The reason? A “breakdown of trust” with the Maduro regime. You know, like dropping your phone on the pavement and hoping it hasn’t shattered, but somehow…it always does!
Brazilian advisor Celso Amorim, perhaps with an eye roll and a sigh we could all hear from a mile away, clarified to the ever-curious press that this wasn’t a political move; it was more of a Seinfeldian episode about trust issues. “We acted in good faith,” he muttered. Oh, sweet summer child, didn’t you know? When dealing with Nicolás Maduro, “good faith” is as rare as a triple-header full moon! Instead of delivering those oh-so-important electoral results from July’s presidential polls, Maduro pulled a disappearing act that would put even the most seasoned magician to shame.
“They told us one thing and it was not done,” Amorim sighed. What’s that saying? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice… well, you better believe I’m not letting you into my BRICS club! It’s almost as if he’s saying, “Look, we’d love to invite you over for dinner, but the last time you forgot to bring the chicken and turned the pot roast into charcoal!” Let’s be real here, that’s not exactly “diplomatically delicious,” is it?
Now, to make things even more comical, despite Venezuela having the backing of the BRICS heavy-hitters—Russia and China—they shrugged their shoulders and respected Brazil’s decision. Honestly, it could have been a diplomatic pre-game pep talk where everyone forgot to consider Brazil’s very particular dietary restrictions. “Sorry, not on the menu today, Maduro!”
The situation went from bad to worse for Maduro at the Kazan summit, where he wasn’t even allowed to be in the official group photo! At this point, he must have felt like the kid who shows up to the birthday party but is shunned to the corner by the cool kids. Talk about a diplomatic “no cake for you!” moment!
Let’s not gloss over this melodrama—the relationship between Brazil and Venezuela is as frosty as a Brazilian winter (which, let’s be honest, isn’t that cold). According to Brazilian government sources, Lula has officially run out of patience with Maduro. And come January 10, when Venezuela sees a new presidential term, Brazil may as well roll its eyes and stop recognizing Maduro as anything more than a figment of an overcooked imagination.
What’s that? A “deep cooling” of relations? Sounds like a euphemism for getting dumped by your high school sweetheart! “It’s not you, it’s me… actually, no, it’s definitely you!” Maduro is now left wondering about his diplomatic prospects as Brazil invites other countries to join the BRICS, leaving him watching from the sidelines like a cat watching a laser pointer—not quite sure how to get in the game.
In classic Maduro style, the Venezuelan regime didn’t take the news lying down. They labeled Brazil’s decision as “a hostile gesture,” which is a bit rich coming from a regime that has made a career out of dramatic farewells! Maybe they just need to take a few more lessons from the Carvalho family of Brazilian soap opera fame—their scripts always manage to read like Shakespeare compared to the saga of Chavismo.
While Maduro insists he has the support of those attending the Kazan summit, one can’t help but chuckle at the thought of him trying to drum up camaraderie while his own diplomatic ship is sinking faster than the Titanic. “We will continue to push for entry!” he proclaims, despite sources saying the odds are “zero.” It’s a bit like trying to convince the bouncers at an exclusive club to let you in while wearing flip-flops—just not happening, buddy!
In summary, Brazil has sent a clear message: if you don’t play your cards right, you’re left waiting outside the BRICS party. And right now, the door is firmly shut on Venezuela, with Brazil whispering, “trust is not negotiable.” So, dear readers, keep your eyes peeled. With all this political drama, who knows what shenanigans might unfold next?
Brazil blocked Venezuela’s entry into the BRICS due to a “breakdown of trust” with the Maduro regime (EFE / Miguel Gutierrez / André Borges / Archive)
The special advisor to the presidency of Brazil, Celso Amorimstated this Thursday that the exclusion of Venezuela of the BRICS group It was not due to political reasons, but to a “breakdown of trust” with the regime of Nicolas Maduro.
As Amorim explained, the Chavista regime failed to fulfill a key promise, which resulted in Brazil’s decision to block Venezuela’s entry into the organization during the summit held in Kazan, Russia.
“The issue with Venezuela does not have to do with democracy, but with a breach of trust. They told us one thing and it was not done“Amorim stressed in an interview with The Globe.
The advisor recalled that after the presidential elections On July 28, the Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sent Amorim to Caracas to meet with Maduro, who promised to deliver the minutes of the National Electoral Council (CNE) that supposedly confirmed his re-election. However, these minutes were never presented, which generated distrust in the Brazilian government.
“We acted in good faith, but with Venezuela trust was broken”he added.
The special advisor to the Brazilian presidency, Celso Amorim, explained that the Chavista dictatorship failed to fulfill its promise to show the minutes that confirmed its supposed re-election in the July 28 elections (REUTERS/Andressa Anholete)
Amorim also highlighted Brazil’s desire to “have confidence again” in Venezuela, although he noted that for the moment, the Brazilian position was decisive in stopping the country’s entry into the BRICS.
Despite the support of Russia and China for the incorporation of Venezuela, both countries respected Brazil’s decision, which considered the accession of the South American nation to the bloc “inappropriate.”
He diplomatic failure of Maduro in Kazan was evident, according to sources in the Brazilian delegation. In addition to failing to include Venezuela in the list of new BRICS partners, Maduro was not authorized to participate in the official photo of the event, which was considered a serious setback for his regime.
The relationship between Brazil and Venezuela is in one of its worst moments. According to Brazilian government sources cited by The Globe, Lula has lost patience with Maduro and, as of January 10when the new presidential term is inaugurated in Venezuela, Brazil will stop recognizing Maduro as head of state. Although a total break is not expected, there will be a “deep cooling” in the relations between both countries.
At the Kazan summit, the Russian BRICS presidency approved the incorporation of 13 new partners, including Turkey, Indonesia, Belarus and Cuba, among others, but Venezuela was not on the list.
Amorim also highlighted Brazil’s desire to “have confidence again” in Venezuela, although he noted that for the moment, the Brazilian position was decisive in stopping the country’s entry into the BRICS (EFE/ Andre Borges)
According to Amorim, these countries will have limited participation and no voting rights in the bloc. Despite its exclusion, diplomatic sources indicated that Venezuela will try to continue pushing to enter the group, although the chances of success are “zero,” according to the same sources.
Meanwhile, the Chavista dictatorship repudiated Brazil’s decision to veto Venezuela’s entry and described it as a “hostile gesture” and a “assault” against the interests of the nation.
In a statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry expressed that with this veto it is “reproducing the hatred, exclusion and intolerance promoted from Western power centers to prevent, for now, the entry of Bolívar’s homeland into this organization.”
According to the Maduro regime, this is “an action that constitutes an aggression against Venezuela and a hostile gesture that adds to the criminal policy of sanctions that have been imposed against a brave and revolutionary people. No ruse or maneuver conceived against Venezuela will stop the course of history,” the writing states.
The Chavista dictatorship repudiated Brazil’s decision to veto Venezuela’s entry into the BRICS and described it as a “hostile gesture” and an “aggression” against the interests of the nation (REUTERS)
Likewise, the Caribbean dictator assured that he had “the backing and support of the countries participating in this summit – held in Russia between October 22 and 24 – for the formalization of his entry into this integration mechanism.”
(With information from EFE)
Interview with Celso Amorim, Special Advisor to the Brazilian Presidency, on Brazil’s Decision to Block Venezuela’s Entry into BRICS
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Celso. Brazil’s decision to block Venezuela’s entry into BRICS has sparked quite the conversation. Can you explain what led to this decision?
Celso Amorim: Thank you for having me. The decision was primarily based on what we describe as a “breakdown of trust” with the Maduro regime. While many may see this as a political move, I assure you, it’s about trust, or the lack thereof, following a series of unmet promises by Venezuela.
Interviewer: So, you’re saying this isn’t a political stance against Maduro’s government but rather a matter of confidence?
Celso Amorim: Exactly. We engaged in good faith with the Maduro regime after the presidential elections in July. We expected to receive official electoral results, but unfortunately, those minutes from the National Electoral Council were never delivered. This lack of transparency and accountability troubles us deeply.
Interviewer: That sounds frustrating indeed. Despite having support from Russia and China, Venezuela still couldn’t secure a place in BRICS. How did those countries react to Brazil’s decision?
Celso Amorim: Interestingly enough, both Russia and China respected our decision. It was clear that Brazil’s concerns regarding trust were significant, and they acknowledged that. It seems there was a broader understanding that trust is a critical component of any strong partnership.
Interviewer: In the wake of this diplomatic stalemate, what does the future hold for Brazil-Venezuela relations?
Celso Amorim: As of January 10, with the inauguration of a new presidential term in Venezuela, we foresee what we call a “deep cooling” of relations. Our patience has worn thin regarding Maduro, and it’s likely that we will stop recognizing him as head of state.
Interviewer: Some might say this situation bears resemblance to a high school breakup. Is this how you would characterize it?
Celso Amorim: (chuckles) I suppose you could say that! When it comes to diplomacy, sometimes it really is about setting boundaries and understanding when those boundaries have been crossed. Venezuela has left us little choice but to reconsider our relationship seriously.
Interviewer: It seems like a challenging situation for both sides. Any final thoughts on how Brazil hopes to restore trust in the future?
Celso Amorim: We genuinely hope to rebuild trust with Venezuela. However, that will require transparency and a commitment to dialogue from their side. Trust is not negotiable; without it, any partnership would be untenable. Let’s see if Maduro’s administration can turn this ship around.
Interviewer: Thank you, Celso, for shedding light on this complex issue. We’ll be watching closely to see how things unfold.
Celso Amorim: Thank you for having me. Political dynamics are always in flux, and anything is possible in the realm of international relations!
Omatic fallout, what does the future look like for Brazil-Venezuela relations?
Celso Amorim: The relationship is definitely in a challenging place. President Lula has expressed frustration with Maduro, and as we approach the new presidential term in Venezuela, there will likely be a “deep cooling.” While we are not completely breaking ties, Brazil will stop recognizing Maduro as a legitimate head of state. Trust must be rebuilt before any meaningful engagement can occur.
Interviewer: Some critics say Brazil’s decision might be perceived as a hostile move. How do you respond to that?
Celso Amorim: I believe it’s crucial to differentiate between hostility and the necessity of accountability. Our focus is not on aggression but on ensuring that the principles of trust and transparency are upheld in our international relations. If such principles are not adhered to, any partnership, like the BRICS bloc, may falter.
Interviewer: Looking forward, what are the chances that Venezuela might eventually enter BRICS?
Celso Amorim: At present, the odds are exceedingly low. Maduro’s regime needs to address its trust issues, not just with Brazil but within the larger international community. Their persistent ambition to join BRICS without making the necessary changes is like trying to enter an exclusive club while not respecting the dress code – it simply won’t happen right now.
Interviewer: Thank you, Celso. Your insights on this complex diplomatic situation are greatly appreciated.
Celso Amorim: Thank you for having me. It’s a nuanced situation, but one that underscores the importance of trust in global relations.
