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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**Interview with Mauro Vieira, Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Vieira. You’ve recently spoken about Brazil’s diplomatic stance towards Venezuela. Can you elaborate on why you believe maintaining dialogue is critical at this juncture?
**Mauro Vieira**: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to understand that even amid increasing tensions, especially following Venezuela’s recall of its ambassador, dialogue remains paramount. Our goal is to foster a constructive relationship that can eventually lead to stability and peace in the region. We believe that breaking ties could escalate tensions rather than resolve them.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned that Brazil’s ambassador in Caracas still maintains good relations with Venezuelan authorities. How do you view the role of diplomats in bridging the gaps during challenging times?
**Mauro Vieira**: Diplomats play a crucial role in facilitating communication and understanding between nations. Our ambassador in Caracas continues to engage actively with her counterparts. These relationships can help mitigate misunderstandings and lay the groundwork for returning to more cooperative ties when conditions allow.
**Interviewer**: Can you tell us how Brazil’s decision not to recognize Venezuela’s recent elections has influenced these diplomatic relations?
**Mauro Vieira**: It certainly created strain, and we acknowledge that. Our position is based on our commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. However, we must differentiate between a firm stance on democratic integrity and the need for ongoing diplomatic engagement. We are not denying the need for dialogue simply because we have concerns regarding the electoral process in Venezuela.
**Interviewer**: Some critics argue that dialogue could be seen as enabling the current Venezuelan government. How do you respond to that perspective?
**Mauro Vieira**: I understand those concerns, but I believe that dialogue does not equate to endorsement. It is a strategy aimed at encouraging positive change. Isolating Venezuela further could lead to a deeper crisis, not just for them but for the entire region. Our approach aims to foster an environment where constructive conversation can lead to resolutions.
**Interviewer**: As the situation evolves, what steps do you foresee Brazil taking to enhance communication with Venezuela while addressing internal pressures?
**Mauro Vieira**: We will continue to engage with Venezuelan authorities through diplomatic channels. We also plan to involve regional partners in this dialogue, as multilateral engagement can often yield better results. Our commitment to a peaceful resolution remains steadfast, and we hope that through ongoing communication, we can contribute positively to the situation.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Minister Vieira, for sharing your insights with us today.
**Mauro Vieira**: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s important for us to discuss these issues openly as we work towards better relations and solutions for the region.
