Brasilia, Nov 13 (EFE).- The Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, stated this Wednesday in an appearance in Congress that, despite the clear deterioration of Brazil‘s relations with Venezuela, the current moment has to be one of dialogue and not to break relations with the neighboring country.
“Although circumstances impose an inevitable decrease in the dynamism of relations, that does not mean that Brazil has to break relations with Venezuela or something of that nature,” said the chancellor in reference to Caracas’ recent decision to recall its ambassador. in Brasilia for consultations.
Vieira added that the Venezuelan ambassador was not permanently removed from the country, that the Brazilian ambassador in Caracas remains in her position and has very good relations with the Venezuelan authorities, and that he himself continues to maintain contacts with his counterpart from the neighboring country.
“On the contrary, the current moment is one of dialogue, negotiation and non-isolation, which are key to a peaceful solution to the crisis in Venezuela,” he assured.
Relations began to deteriorate since the presidential elections last July because the Government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not recognize the victory granted by the Venezuelan electoral body to President Nicolás Maduro, and they worsened in October when Brazil vetoed Venezuela’s entry. to the BRICS as a full member after the bloc’s summit held in Russia.
Since then, different Venezuelan authorities have harshly criticized Lula.
Vieira said that Brazil is not obliged to recognize Maduro’s supposed victory in the presidential elections because, by tradition, the country does not recognize governments but states.
«The current moment is delicate and requires professionalism and caution from diplomacy. Brazil’s practice is to recognize States and not governments. It is a tradition that seeks to avoid the politicization of the recognition or non-recognition of a foreign Government,” he assured.
According to the chancellor, Brazil has insisted on dialogue with Venezuela and other countries about the Venezuelan crisis not only because it is an important neighbor but also because it was guarantor of the Barbados Agreement, in which the Government and opposition defined the bases for the elections of this year, and because, at Maduro’s invitation, he was an election observer.
He added, however, that the solution to the crisis has to be “constructed” by the Venezuelans themselves and not imposed from outside with more sanctions and isolation.
«We already saw that that does not work. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the time when Juan Guaidó was proclaimed interim president. There were two presidents, but one only had a title and did not have a country to govern,” he said.
“That has nothing to do with interference or recognition of something political but rather the needs of a relationship,” he said.
.
#Brazilian #foreign #minister #current #moment #demands #dialogue #break #Venezuela
– How does the recall of the Venezuelan ambassador affect Brazil’s diplomatic strategy and communication with Venezuela?
**Interview with Mauro Vieira: Navigating Brazil-Venezuela Relations**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, who recently addressed Congress regarding the state of Brazil’s diplomatic relations with Venezuela. Thank you for joining us, Minister Vieira.
**Mauro Vieira:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
**Editor:** You noted that despite a clear deterioration in relations, Brazil should focus on dialogue with Venezuela. Can you elaborate on why you believe maintaining these lines of communication is essential?
**Mauro Vieira:** Absolutely. While the current circumstances do present challenges, it’s crucial that we do not close the door on diplomatic channels. Dialogue and negotiation are vital in our efforts to find peaceful solutions to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. We must remain engaged, as isolating ourselves only complicates matters further.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your statement the recall of the Venezuelan ambassador. How does this impact the day-to-day diplomatic interactions between the two countries?
**Mauro Vieira:** The recall is a significant signal, but it does not equate to a total breakdown of relations. The Venezuelan ambassador remains in contact, and our ambassador in Caracas has a solid rapport with the authorities there. We are still committed to maintaining these connections, as they are essential for ongoing discussions.
**Editor:** Critics might argue that Brazil’s previous decisions, like not recognizing the electoral victory of Nicolás Maduro, set a confrontational tone. How do you respond to these concerns?
**Mauro Vieira:** I understand where the critics are coming from. However, our approach does acknowledge the legitimacy of our concerns while prioritizing the need for dialogue. We must advocate for democratic values and human rights, but equally important is our commitment to fostering an environment where discussions can take place.
**Editor:** Given the challenging landscape, what are some specific steps Brazil is taking to promote dialogue with Venezuela?
**Mauro Vieira:** We are seeking various avenues for engagement, including regular communication with foreign ministries, encouraging multilateral dialogues, and advocating for a peaceful transition in Venezuela through negotiation rather than confrontation. Our goal is to create a conducive atmosphere for both nations to address their differences constructively.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Vieira, for your insights on this complex issue. It’s clear that dialogue remains paramount in navigating Brazil’s foreign affairs.
**Mauro Vieira:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these vital matters. It is critical we continue to advocate for peace and understanding in our region.
