Lula calls for “ample presence” of observers at Venezuelan elections
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke by telephone with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Wednesday (Jun. 5), according to the Planalto presidential palace. They discussed the upcoming presidential elections in Venezuela, scheduled for July 28.
"Lula reiterated Brazil's support for the Barbados agreements and emphasized the importance of a significant presence of international observers. He also expressed hope that the current sanctions against Venezuela could be lifted to facilitate a climate of trust and understanding during the electoral process," stated the note released by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Barbados agreements, referenced in the conversation, involve negotiations between the Maduro government and opposition sectors, mediated by Norway last year with the support of Brazil and other countries. These agreements include the release of imprisoned opposition members and the partial lifting of U.S. economic sanctions, particularly in the oil sector. However, these sanctions were reimposed in April this year by the United States, which deemed the Maduro government's efforts insufficient.
According to Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE), observers for the local elections will include the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and a panel of experts from the United Nations, among others.
The July elections will mark the first presidential contest in a decade in which the opposition, having boycotted the 2018 election, will participate. Nicolás Maduro is running for a third term, while former ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez represents a broad opposition coalition.
Brazil's Superior Electoral Court announced that it will not send observers to Venezuela, though it did not provide reasons for this decision.
Bilateral relations
Regarding trade relations, the two presidents noted that many businesspeople have expressed interest in resuming investments and trade with Venezuela.
According to the ministry's press release, the Brazilian president emphasized the significance of trade for Roraima and Amazonas, two northern states of Brazil that border Venezuela. The presidents also initiated discussions on signing a Cooperation and Investment Facilitation Agreement and renegotiating the bilateral debt,” the note stated.
