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 strategies is the Brazilian government implementing to restore diplomatic relations with Venezuela amidst current tensions?
**Interview with Mauro Vieira, Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Vieira. Recently, you made statements regarding the deteriorating relations between Brazil and Venezuela. Can you elaborate on your thoughts regarding the current diplomatic stance?
**Mauro Vieira:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, while we are facing a significant decline in the dynamics of our relations with Venezuela, it is crucial that we do not resort to breaking off ties altogether. We believe that dialog must remain at the forefront, even amidst discord. Our intention is to keep diplomatic channels open to work towards a peaceful resolution of ongoing issues.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the recall of the Venezuelan ambassador to Brazil. Could you clarify what this means for the relationship moving forward?
**Mauro Vieira:** The recall is a temporary measure and does not signify a permanent severing of relations. The Venezuelan ambassador remains a part of our diplomatic community, and our own ambassador in Caracas is still working effectively and positively with local authorities. Despite the tensions, both sides are committed to maintaining communication.
**Interviewer:** You cited previous political events as catalysts for these tensions, particularly Brazil’s stance on the recent Venezuelan elections. How is the Brazilian government addressing this sensitive political backdrop?
**Mauro Vieira:** Our decision to not recognize the legitimacy of the last election reflects Brazil’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. However, we must also recognize that this situation needs careful navigation. Continuous negotiation and dialog will allow us to address our differences without isolating ourselves from one another. I remain in regular contact with my Venezuelan counterpart, reinforcing the importance of this dialog.
**Interviewer:** There have been recent developments, such as Brazil deploying troops to the border with Venezuela amid rising tensions. How do these actions align with your vision of dialog?
**Mauro Vieira:** The deployment of troops is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the security of our borders during heightened tensions. It is important to distinguish between national security actions and diplomatic efforts. We are not pursuing a path of aggression, but rather ensuring readiness while still advocating for a diplomatic approach. Engaging in negotiation remains paramount for us.
**Interviewer:** In light of these events, what message do you wish to send to both the Brazilian and Venezuelan people regarding future relations?
**Mauro Vieira:** The message is clear: dialog is essential. We are committed to pursuing a peaceful relationship that addresses both our nations’ concerns. Maintaining lines of communication is not just advisable but necessary for the stability of the region. We hope to work towards solutions that reflect the interests of both countries and contribute to a more stable future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Minister Vieira. It seems there’s a complex landscape ahead, but your commitment to dialog is evident.
**Mauro Vieira:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we work together, even in challenging times.
