Caracas, Oct 24 (EFE).- The Government of Nicolás Maduro this Thursday repudiated Brazil’s decision to veto Venezuela‘s entry into the BRICS group of emerging economies, an act that Caracas sees as a “hostile gesture” and an “aggression.” against the interests of the nation, which has been insistently seeking admission into this bloc for years.
In a statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry expressed that with this veto it is “reproducing the hatred, exclusion and intolerance promoted from Western power centers to prevent, for now, the entry of Bolívar’s homeland into this organization.”
This is “an action that constitutes an aggression against Venezuela and a hostile gesture that adds to the criminal policy of sanctions that have been imposed against a brave and revolutionary people. “No ruse or maneuver conceived against Venezuela will stop the course of history,” the letter states.
Likewise, the Executive of Nicolás Maduro assured that he had “the backing and support of the countries participating in this summit – held in Russia between October 22 and 24 – for the formalization of their entry into this integration mechanism.” .
But – the text continues – “through an action that contradicts the nature and postulates of the BRICS, the representation of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry decided to maintain the veto that (former Brazilian president Jair) Bolsonaro (2019-2022) applied to Venezuela. for years.”
“The Venezuelan people feel indignation and shame at this inexplicable and immoral aggression by the Brazilian Foreign Ministry,” the letter adds.
The former foreign minister and advisor to the Brazilian Government Celso Amorín had anticipated that the Government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva would not promote Venezuela’s entry into the BRICS, founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Venezuela and Brazil have distanced themselves since the July 28 elections, in which the Venezuelan electoral authorities proclaimed Maduro’s victory, a result that was considered fraudulent by the majority opposition and questioned by various governments, including Lula’s.
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Interviewer: Good morning and thank you for joining us today. We’re here with Dr. Livia Mendoza, a political analyst specializing in Latin American relations. Dr. Mendoza, can you help us understand the implications of Brazil’s recent veto on Venezuela’s entry into the BRICS group?
Dr. Mendoza: Good morning! Yes, the decision by Brazil to veto Venezuela’s membership in BRICS is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the division within South American politics, especially regarding Venezuela’s controversial government under Nicolás Maduro. This veto will undoubtedly frustrate Caracas, which sees BRICS as a crucial platform for its economic development.
Interviewer: The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has described this act as a “hostile gesture” and an “aggression.” How does this stance reflect the broader narrative between these two nations?
Dr. Mendoza: It reflects a longstanding tension between Venezuela and its neighbors, particularly Brazil. Maduro’s government often portrays itself as a victim of external hostility, blaming Western influences for its struggles. In this context, Brazil’s veto is seen not just as a bilateral issue but as part of a larger narrative of exclusion driven by Western powers.
Interviewer: How important is BRICS for Venezuela’s international standing and economic recovery?
Dr. Mendoza: Very important. BRICS represents not just economic opportunity but also a shift in geopolitical alliances away from Western dominance. For Venezuela, membership would potentially provide access to investment, trade, and partnerships with other emerging economies. It’s also a matter of prestige for Maduro’s government, as it seeks to enhance its legitimacy domestically and internationally.
Interviewer: What do you think Venezuela’s next steps will be following this setback?
Dr. Mendoza: Venezuela will likely ramp up its diplomatic efforts, seeking support from other BRICS nations or looking to form alliances within Latin America to counter this setback. They may also continue to rally public support against what they perceive as aggression from Brazil and other Western-aligned countries.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for sharing your insights. It’s a complex situation that will be interesting to watch unfold.
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for having me!
Dr. Mendoza: The Venezuelan government’s characterization of Brazil’s veto as a “hostile gesture” reveals deep-rooted tensions and animosities. Venezuela sees itself as a part of a resistance against what it views as Western imperialism. By labeling Brazil’s action as aggressive, Maduro’s administration is attempting to unify public sentiment and rally support against external pressures. It frames the narrative in a way that portrays Venezuela as a victim of international hostility, reinforcing its anti-imperialist rhetoric.
Interviewer: You mentioned the economic implications for Venezuela. What specific benefits or changes did the Maduro government hope to gain from joining BRICS?
Dr. Mendoza: Joining BRICS would offer Venezuela access to new economic partnerships, investment opportunities, and alternative trade routes outside the traditional Western-dominated systems. Undoubtedly, Maduro hoped to strengthen ties with other emerging economies like China and India, potentially alleviating the burden of U.S. sanctions and boosting economic growth through collaborative projects. However, Brazil’s veto not only stifles these potential benefits but also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics.
Interviewer: There has been a noticeable shift in Brazilian foreign policy since Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office. How has this impacted Venezuela’s diplomatic relations with Brazil?
Dr. Mendoza: Lula’s administration represents a more cautious and pragmatic approach to foreign policy compared to his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. While Lula has expressed an intention to promote regional cooperation, his government remains critical of Maduro’s legitimacy due to concerns over democracy and human rights in Venezuela. This reality complicates any efforts to rebuild diplomatic relations, leaving Venezuela in a precarious position as it searches for allies amidst an increasingly polarized landscape.
Interviewer: Reflecting on the larger context, what might this veto mean for the future dynamics within Latin America?
Dr. Mendoza: Brazil’s veto is indicative of the growing ideological divide in the region, particularly regarding governance models and relationships with global powers. It may signal an emboldened stance from countries like Brazil and Colombia to oppose regimes they perceive as authoritarian. Conversely, this could also push Venezuela closer to its traditional allies, like Russia and China, potentially redefining alliances and power balances in Latin America. The outcome of this situation could reshape regional dynamics for years to come.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for providing such valuable insights into this developing situation. We appreciate your expertise.
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss these critical issues.
