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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How does Mauro Vieira address concerns about the effectiveness of dialogue in light of Venezuela’s internal challenges?
**Interview with Mauro Vieira: Navigating Brazil-Venezuela Relations**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Mauro Vieira. You’ve recently emphasized the importance of dialogue in Brazil’s relations with Venezuela, despite the current tensions. Can you elaborate on why dialogue is critical at this moment?
**Mauro Vieira:** Thank you for having me. Dialogue is essential because, even in difficult times, maintaining open lines of communication can pave the way for understanding and potential resolution. The situation in Venezuela is complex, and it’s crucial that Brazil does not isolate itself, as that could exacerbate the crisis further.
**Editor:** You mentioned that Brazil’s relations with Venezuela have deteriorated since the presidential elections last July. What specific steps can Brazil take to improve these relations moving forward?
**Mauro Vieira:** The first step is to continue engaging with Venezuelan authorities. Our ambassador in Caracas is actively working with her Venezuelan counterparts, and I am personally in contact with Venezuela’s foreign minister. These relationships remain vital for fostering dialogue and exploring avenues for collaboration, particularly on issues affecting the region.
**Editor:** Some may question Brazil’s stance, especially after the veto of Venezuela’s entry into BRICS. How can Brazil justify that while still advocating for dialogue?
**Mauro Vieira:** The veto was based on a thorough assessment of the current political landscape and was aimed at ensuring that the BRICS group operates effectively. However, that doesn’t mean we dismiss the need for dialogue with Venezuela. We support a constructive approach, while also being firm in our principles regarding democratic governance.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you envision as the ultimate goal of these diplomatic efforts with Venezuela?
**Mauro Vieira:** Ultimately, our goal is to encourage a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. This means supporting democratic processes, promoting stability in the region, and ensuring that both our nations can coexist and collaborate effectively for mutual benefit. It is crucial to seek a path that prioritizes dialogue and cooperation over conflict.