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 impact the diplomatic relationship between Brazil and Venezuela, according to Ambassador Pereira?
**Interview with Ambassador Antonio Pereira, Senior Diplomat and Expert on Latin American Relations**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ambassador Pereira. In light of recent statements from Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, what do you think are the implications of his call for continued dialogue with Venezuela despite the deteriorating relations?
**Ambassador Pereira:** Thank you for having me. I believe Minister Vieira’s emphasis on dialogue is crucial. It acknowledges the complexities of international relations, especially in Latin America, where historical tensions often require patient diplomacy. His statements suggest a recognition that isolation could lead to further instability, not just for Venezuela but for Brazil as well.
**Editor:** How significant is the recall of the Venezuelan ambassador in Brasilia for diplomatic relations between the two countries?
**Ambassador Pereira:** The recall is indeed a significant diplomatic gesture and typically signals dissatisfaction or a protest. However, Minister Vieira has pointed out that this action does not indicate an outright severance of relations. The fact that Brazil’s ambassador in Caracas remains in her position shows there is still a channel for communication. It reflects a desire to maintain some level of engagement, which can be beneficial for both countries.
**Editor:** What role do you believe dialogue plays in addressing the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, considering Brazil’s hesitation to recognize Maduro’s presidency?
**Ambassador Pereira:** Dialogue is fundamental. Venezuela faces considerable social and economic challenges, and isolation would likely exacerbate these issues. By maintaining diplomatic relations, Brazil can better advocate for humanitarian aid and reforms while also addressing its concerns about governance in Venezuela. Even if Brazil does not recognize Maduro’s presidency, open channels for conversation can encourage positive outcomes for the Venezuelan people.
**Editor:** Given Brazil’s recent veto of Venezuela joining BRICS as a full member, how do you foresee this affecting their diplomatic relationship moving forward?
**Ambassador Pereira:** It certainly adds a layer of complexity to their relationship. Such actions may lead to further tensions, but they also create opportunities for dialogue to address grievances. It’s essential for Brazil to articulate its concerns constructively, as this could influence Venezuela’s policy direction in a positive way. Maintaining open lines of communication will be key to navigating these challenges.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ambassador Pereira, for your insights on this topic. It appears that even in the face of disagreements, the path of dialogue remains the most viable option for both nations.
**Ambassador Pereira:** Thank you for having me. Yes, dialogue is vital for peace and stability in the region, and I hope both countries can find a way to bridge their differences.
