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.
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What role does Brazil envision for regional organizations in facilitating dialogue with Venezuela in light of current diplomatic challenges?
**Interview with Mauro Vieira, Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Vieira. To begin with, can you explain the current state of Brazil’s relations with Venezuela and why you believe dialogue is essential at this moment?
**Mauro Vieira:** Thank you for having me. The state of our relations with Venezuela has certainly been challenging, particularly in light of recent events, including the recall of their ambassador for consultations. However, I believe strong diplomatic ties are crucial. While the dynamics of our relationship may have changed, it’s critical that we focus on dialogue rather than severing ties completely. We must engage in negotiations to work towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.
**Editor:** You mentioned that the Venezuelan ambassador has not been permanently removed and that Brazil maintains its ambassador in Caracas. Why is this consistency in diplomatic representation so important?
**Mauro Vieira:** Maintaining our ambassadors in both countries signals a commitment to dialogue and partnership. It illustrates that, despite our differences, we are willing to continue communication. Our ambassador in Caracas enjoys good relations with Venezuelan authorities, which can facilitate discussions on critical issues, providing a foundation for mutual understanding and cooperation.
**Editor:** There seems to have been a significant shift in relations since the last presidential elections in Brazil, particularly regarding the recognition of Venezuela’s electoral outcomes. How have these political developments impacted your diplomatic approach?
**Mauro Vieira:** Indeed, the lack of recognition of the recent electoral outcome in Venezuela created tension. Nevertheless, it’s essential to navigate these political challenges with diplomacy. Instead of isolating Venezuela, we aim to foster a climate where constructive conversations take place. Our goal is not to escalate the situation but to contribute to a peaceful resolution to the issues facing Venezuela and its people.
**Editor:** What specific actions does Brazil plan to undertake to encourage this dialogue moving forward?
**Mauro Vieira:** We will continue reaching out to our counterparts in Venezuela and engage in multilateral discussions where necessary. Additionally, we aim to facilitate platforms for Venezuelan voices in civil society to engage with their government. It’s crucial to promote an inclusive dialogue that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders within Venezuela.
**Editor:** Lastly, Minister Vieira, what message do you want to convey to the people of both Brazil and Venezuela regarding the future of the relations between the two countries?
**Mauro Vieira:** I want to stress that constructive dialogue is the path forward. The people of both nations deserve peaceful interactions and a collaborative approach to resolve our differences. We must aim for a future where communication remains open, fostering stability and cooperation for the benefit of both Brazil and Venezuela.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Vieira, for your insights and for emphasizing the importance of dialogue in international relations.