Venezuela: In response to Brazil’s recent veto of its bid to join the BRICS alliance, Venezuela has decided to withdraw its ambassador from Brazil. Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry criticized Brazilian officials for “blocking” the country’s BRICS membership and making what it described as “interventionist, disrespectful statements.” Additionally, Brazil’s business envoy was summoned for discussions.
The decision comes amidst increasing tension between the two South American nations, which has been growing since Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed re-election in July despite reported voting irregularities. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who had previously supported Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chavez, has refrained from recognizing Maduro’s victory, urging Venezuelan authorities to release official voting tallies.
Brazil’s rejection of Venezuela’s application at the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, intensified the strain on diplomatic relations. In a statement, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry expressed “indignation and shame” over Brazil’s decision, calling it “inexplicable and immoral.”
BRICS, an alliance of major developing countries, currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with recent members Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, who joined in January 2024.
In a statement, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry criticized Celso Amorim, Brazil’s foreign policy adviser, who justified the veto by alleging that Venezuela had “breached the trust” of its BRICS partners. Venezuela accused Amorim of acting as “a messenger for North American imperialism” and claimed he was issuing judgments that should be left to Venezuela’s democratic institutions.
Following the election, Maduro’s administration declared victory without providing detailed results, while the opposition claimed their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won by a significant margin. Countries across Latin America and the United States have recognized Gonzalez as the victor, who has since sought asylum in Spain. Meanwhile, Venezuelan security forces cracked down on post-election demonstrations, with reports indicating at least 23 protestors lost their lives in the violence.
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