After banning the opposition, Brazil reiterates its pro-election stance in Venezuela Policy

Special Advisor to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Celso Amorim, spoke with the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, and reiterated the Brazilian position that the group leading the Venezuelan government and the opposition is adhering to the resolutions. The agreement signed in October 2023 to hold elections in the country.

A memorandum to the Brazilian government stated, “The agreements that set the criteria for holding presidential elections this year resulted from the dialogue between the government and the opposition, mediated by Norway, and were supported by Brazil and the United States of America, among others.” .

Another excerpt from Planalto's memo said: “The Brazilian government supports the continuity of dialogue and encourages the parties to continue building mutual trust. Brazil reiterates its well-known position against sanctions, which violate international law and punish the population.”

Brazil's role in the crisis

The Brazilian government began contacts with the United States and Venezuela with the aim of calming the situation After the return of sanctions imposed by the Americans on Caracas.

The US decision came after the Venezuelan Supreme Court blocked the presidential candidacy of Nicolas Maduro's main opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado.

According to diplomats and sources from Planalto, talks are underway with Washington and Caracas, but they are still at an “exploratory” level. A source said: “It is a negotiation process and takes time.”

Brazil is one of the countries mediating debates to stimulate democracy in Venezuela, without condemning the Maduro regime. For Lula, the sanctions make the process difficult

The talks are taking place on two fronts. Via Special Adviser to the Presidency of the Republic, Celso Amorim, and diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.