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.
.
#Brazilian #foreign #minister #current #moment #demands #dialogue #break #Venezuela
What specific measures is Brazil implementing to improve its diplomatic relations with Venezuela despite recent tensions?
**Interview with Mauro Vieira, Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs**
**Interviewer:** Minister Vieira, thank you for joining us today. You’ve recently spoken about the deteriorating relations between Brazil and Venezuela. Can you elaborate on what specific steps Brazil is taking to maintain a dialogue with Venezuela during these troubling times?
**Mauro Vieira:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to stress that dialogue is essential in these circumstances. Although we recognize that our relations with Venezuela are not at their strongest, it does not mean we should sever ties. We are committed to maintaining communication through various channels, including diplomatic channels. The Brazilian ambassador in Caracas is still there and has positive interactions with Venezuelan authorities, which is crucial.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the need for dialogue. Given the recent actions by Venezuela, such as recalling its ambassador, do you see any potential for improving relations in the near future?
**Mauro Vieira:** Yes, I believe there is potential for improvement. While circumstances may impose challenges, we must remain hopeful and open to negotiations. I also continue to communicate with my Venezuelan counterpart, which is vital. It’s through dialogue that we can seek peaceful solutions to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.
**Interviewer:** Some critics argue that Brazil’s refusal to recognize the recent elections in Venezuela and its veto of Venezuela’s entry into BRICS have further complicated relations. How do you respond to that?
**Mauro Vieira:** It’s true that our stance on the elections and other diplomatic decisions has strained relationships. However, our choices are based on our commitment to democratic principles and the importance of respecting electoral integrity. Our intent is not to isolate Venezuela but to advocate for a return to a more stable and democratic governance. Recognizing elections responsibly is part of the dialogue we wish to foster.
**Interviewer:** What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Brazil in navigating its relationship with Venezuela moving forward?
**Mauro Vieira:** The biggest challenge is balancing our commitment to regional stability and human rights with the realities on the ground. Finding common ground with Venezuela, particularly in light of differing political ideologies, requires patience and resilience. Nonetheless, we believe that open dialogue is the only way to foster understanding and ultimately a fruitful relationship.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Vieira, for sharing your insights on this important topic.
**Mauro Vieira:** Thank you for the opportunity. I hope we can continue to promote peace and stability through dialogue.
