The Brazilian foreign minister says that the current moment demands dialogue and not a break with Venezuela

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 impact has ⁢the recent Venezuelan presidential election had⁣ on Brazil’s diplomatic relations with Venezuela?

⁤ **Interview with Mauro Vieira, Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs**

**Interviewer**:⁤ Thank you for joining us today, Minister Vieira.⁤ There ‌has been a noticeable⁤ decline in ‍Brazil’s relations with Venezuela lately, especially following the presidential elections and Brazil’s decision to veto ​Venezuela’s entry ‌into BRICS. Can⁢ you elaborate on the current⁢ state of these relations?

**Mauro Vieira**:⁣ Thank‍ you⁢ for having me. Yes, our relations with ‍Venezuela have faced ⁢challenges,‌ particularly after we did not recognize Nicolás Maduro’s electoral⁤ win earlier this year. However, it’s ‍important ⁤to clarify that this deterioration does not mean we should ⁢sever ties. On the contrary,⁤ we believe it’s essential to maintain a dialog with Venezuela during these ⁢tumultuous times.

**Interviewer**: In your recent address to Congress, you​ mentioned that now is a time for dialog. What ‌steps is Brazil taking⁢ to ensure that⁢ communication⁢ lines remain ⁣open with Venezuelan authorities?

**Mauro​ Vieira**: That’s correct. Although the⁢ situation ⁣is tense, the Brazilian ambassador ‍in Caracas is still actively ⁤engaged with Venezuelan officials. I’ve also maintained​ regular contact with my counterpart. What we aim for is not isolation but a constructive‍ conversation, focusing on finding a peaceful resolution to⁢ the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

**Interviewer**:​ Following ⁤Venezuela’s decision ​to‍ recall its ambassador from Brasilia, are there ‌fears of further diplomatic fallout?

**Mauro Vieira**: It’s true ⁢that this is a sensitive issue, but I want to emphasize that the Venezuelan ambassador was not permanently ‍removed ​from Brazil. The Brazilian government is ‍committed to preventing a complete breakdown. Instead, we want to‍ foster an environment of negotiation to address the broader issues at⁣ play.

**Interviewer**: You’ve mentioned the importance of dialog.​ What do⁣ you see as the key topics‌ that need to be addressed⁤ in these​ discussions to improve relations?

**Mauro Vieira**: Key topics include⁢ democratic processes, human rights, and regional stability. It’s essential to facilitate⁢ discussions that ⁤can lead to‍ positive outcomes for the Venezuelan‌ people. Dialogue ​can help ⁣address their‌ needs and foster regional ​cooperation ⁢rather than division.

**Interviewer**: how do you⁤ envision the future of Brazil-Venezuela relations ‌if this dialog continues?

**Mauro Vieira**: I’m hopeful that we can⁤ navigate these challenges together. By prioritizing dialog, ⁣we stand a ⁤greater ‌chance of alleviating tensions and paving the way ⁢for cooperation on various fronts, including trade, security, and ‍humanitarian efforts.‌ A stable Venezuela is beneficial for ⁢the entire region, including Brazil.

**Interviewer**:⁣ Thank⁢ you, Minister Vieira, for sharing your insights with us today.

**Mauro ⁤Vieira**: Thank you for having me.