Brazilian Foreign Ministry Responds to Venezuela's Offensive Tone

By Lisandra Paraguassu

BRASILIA (Reuters) – The Brazilian foreign ministry expressed surprise at the "offensive tone" used by Venezuelan authorities against Brazil, marking a new chapter in the diplomatic rift between the two leftist-led nations.

In its statement, Brazil's foreign ministry stated that the choice of "personal attacks and rhetorical escalations" does not align with the respectful approach Brazil takes towards Venezuela and its citizens.

Earlier this week, Venezuela recalled its ambassador from Brazil, citing "repeated interventionist and rude statements" from Brasilia, and criticized Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's chief foreign policy advisor, Celso Amorim.

The diplomatic tension has escalated following months of unrest after Venezuela's contested presidential election in late July. Brazil has refrained from recognizing the claims of victory made by both Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition.

Relations deteriorated further when Brazil vetoed Venezuela's entry into the BRICS group of emerging economies earlier this month, which Venezuela called an "inexplicable and immoral aggression."

Additionally, on Thursday, Venezuela's national police shared an image on Instagram featuring Lula's silhouette against Brazil's national flag with the caption: "Whoever messes with Venezuela will pay for it."