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 Professor Ana Carolina Ribeiro, Expert in Latin American Relations**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Professor Ribeiro. Thank you for joining us today. We’re discussing recent comments from Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, regarding Brazil’s relationship with Venezuela. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of maintaining dialogue between these two countries?
**Professor Ribeiro:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The Minister’s emphasis on dialogue is crucial. Despite the tensions that have arisen, particularly since the Brazilian government’s refusal to recognize Maduro’s presidency, maintaining open lines of communication is essential. It indicates a willingness to address differences constructively rather than through isolation.
**Interviewer:** Vieira mentioned that Brazil’s ambassador in Caracas continues to have good relations, and that he himself is in contact with his Venezuelan counterpart. How does this ongoing diplomatic engagement affect the situation?
**Professor Ribeiro:** Diplomatic engagement can serve as a stabilizing force. Having ambassadors who can maintain mutual respect and communication helps to mitigate misunderstandings and fosters a more conducive environment for negotiations. It also reflects Brazil’s recognition of Venezuela’s importance as a regional partner, regardless of the current political climate.
**Interviewer:** The foreign minister also referred to the “inevitable decrease in the dynamism of relations.” What do you think are the implications of this decline on both nations?
**Professor Ribeiro:** The decline in dynamism suggests that while relations may not be severed, they are certainly strained. For Brazil, it means reevaluating how it approaches its foreign policy in the region, especially considering the political complexities at play. For Venezuela, it highlights the potential isolation on the global stage, particularly after Brazil’s veto of its BRICS membership. Both countries need to find common grounds to ensure stability in the region.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you believe is the best path forward for Brazil and Venezuela in overcoming these obstacles?
**Professor Ribeiro:** The best path forward involves sustained dialogue, focusing on shared interests such as trade, security, and environmental issues. Both nations should aim to build trust through cooperative initiatives, even amidst political disagreements. Only through engagement can they hope to find solutions that are beneficial for their populations and advantageous for regional stability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Professor Ribeiro, for your insights on this important topic. Dialogue indeed seems to be the key in navigating these complex relations.
**Professor Ribeiro:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to discuss these dynamics as they unfold.
