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 are the implications of Brazil’s non-isolation approach for its relationship with Venezuela and other Latin American countries?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Santos, Expert on Latin American Relations**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Santos. Following the recent statements by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira regarding Brazil’s relationship with Venezuela, what are your thoughts on Brazil’s approach to maintaining dialogue rather than severing ties?
**Dr. Santos:** Thank you for having me. I believe Minister Vieira’s emphasis on dialogue is crucial. In international relations, especially in a region as complex as South America, maintaining open lines of communication can prevent misunderstandings and escalate tensions. It’s important for Brazil to engage with Venezuela, even amid disagreements.
**Editor:** Vieira mentioned that the current moment is about “non-isolation.” What does that mean in the context of Brazil’s foreign policy?
**Dr. Santos:** Non-isolation refers to the idea that engaging with conflicting parties can lead to peaceful resolutions. In this case, Brazil acknowledges recent tensions but prefers dialogue over cutting ties, which could further isolate Venezuela in the international community. This approach aligns with Brazil’s historical role as a mediator and promoter of stability in the region.
**Editor:** How do you see the internal political dynamics in Brazil affecting its foreign policy towards Venezuela, especially considering the recent presidential elections?
**Dr. Santos:** The internal political climate in Brazil, particularly under President Lula da Silva, is significant. Lula’s government is more inclined to take a diplomatic approach compared to previous administrations. However, the choice not to recognize Maduro’s victory indicates that there are limits to this engagement, and domestic pressures can influence foreign policy decisions.
**Editor:** With the Venezuelan ambassador recalled for consultations, what are the potential implications for both countries going forward?
**Dr. Santos:** The recall of the ambassador signals a cooling of relations, but it can also be seen as an opportunity for reflection and recalibration. If both governments are committed to dialogue, this could lead to a diplomatic rapprochement and a possible resolution of the issues at hand. But the situation remains sensitive, and further developments will depend on both countries’ willingness to compromise.
**Editor:** do you think this stance by Brazil might influence other countries in the region?
**Dr. Santos:** Absolutely. Brazil is one of the largest and most influential nations in Latin America. Its stance may encourage other countries to pursue dialogue rather than isolation or confrontation, fostering a more collaborative regional environment. This could ultimately lead to more effective discussions around resolving the humanitarian and political crises in Venezuela.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your insights on this complex and evolving issue.
**Dr. Santos:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
