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**: Welcome, Minister Vieira. Thank you for joining us today. The current state of Brazil’s relations with Venezuela has been a pivotal topic lately. You recently stated in Congress that dialog should continue despite the challenges. Can you elaborate on this stance?
**Mauro Vieira**: Thank you for having me. Yes, it is crucial for us to maintain a channel of communication with Venezuela. While we acknowledge a deterioration in our relations, it’s important not to sever ties completely. The recent decision by Venezuela to recall its ambassador for consultations does not signify a permanent breakdown of our diplomatic relations. In fact, my counterpart and I remain in contact, and our ambassador in Caracas continues to uphold strong relationships with Venezuelan authorities.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned that the situation has worsened since the elections last July. Can you explain the factors that have led to this decline and how it has affected bilateral relations?
**Mauro Vieira**: Certainly. The deterioration began principally because we, under President Lula’s administration, did not recognize the electoral outcome that declared Nicolás Maduro the winner. This stance created an initial rift, which was further complicated in October when Brazil vetoed Venezuela’s entry into BRICS as a full member. These actions have inevitably affected the dynamism of our relations, but I believe that maintaining dialog is essential for resolving these issues constructively.
**Interviewer**: What are the key steps that Brazil can take moving forward to ensure a peaceful resolution to the current tensions?
**Mauro Vieira**: Moving forward, I believe it is essential to embrace dialog and negotiation. We’ve emphasized non-isolation of Venezuela as a strategy to approach the crisis. It involves not only diplomatic communications but also understanding the broader socio-political landscape. Engagement can lead us to pathways for recovery and stabilization, benefiting both nations in the long run.
**Interviewer**: There are concerns regarding interventionist rhetoric from other nations in the region. How does Brazil respond to these tensions?
**Mauro Vieira**: We are certainly attentive to the regional dynamics and the statements that come from various governments, particularly Brazil’s neighbors. Our focus is on bilateral relations characterized by mutual respect. Recently, we summoned the Brazilian chargé d’affaires to express our concerns over some of the more intrusive comments attributed to officials in Brazil. It is vital to assert our position and work towards a diplomatic solution that does not rely on external pressures or interventions.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Minister Vieira, for sharing your insights on this matter. It’s clear that while challenges exist, Brazil is committed to finding pathways for dialog and resolution with Venezuela.
**Mauro Vieira**: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these conversations going, not just for Brazil and Venezuela, but for stability in the entire region.
