The Brazilian president denounces Washington’s deployment near Venezuela.
On Monday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean during a virtual BRICS summit, reports 24brussels.
Lula described the deployment of U.S. forces, which includes eight warships armed with missiles and a nuclear-powered submarine near Venezuela, as a factor of tension incompatible with the region’s aspiration for peace. “The presence of armed forces from the world’s largest power in the Caribbean Sea is a factor of tension incompatible with the region’s vocation for peace,” he stated during the summit convened by Brazil.
The Brazilian leader emphasized that Latin America and the Caribbean have maintained a commitment to peace since the 1968 signing of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which prohibited nuclear weapons in the region. His comments come amidst rising tensions following a U.S. military operation that targeted a boat allegedly departing from Venezuela with 11 individuals onboard, whom Washington claims were drug traffickers.
In a strong rebuttal, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab challenged the credibility of the U.S. operation, reinforcing claims that the action was not legitimate. Lula used this context to emphasize the importance of multilateralism, urging BRICS nations to advocate for collective efforts within international forums such as the United Nations. “Unilateralism will not lead us to achieve the goals of justice and prosperity,” he said.
Furthermore, Lula called for BRICS countries to support Brazil’s long-standing aspiration for an expanded UN Security Council. He also highlighted the necessity for enhanced cooperation on energy transition and sustainable development to address the impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect developing nations. Despite advocating for sustainable policies, he maintained that fossil fuels remain essential for financing this energy transition.
As the trade war initiated by the U.S. continues, with heavy tariffs imposed on Brazil and India, Lula has intensified engagement with his counterparts in BRICS, notably China, Russia, and India. This strategic pivot underscores Brazil’s efforts to navigate the complexities of international relations in the face of increasing unilateral measures by the United States.
