“Irresponsible move,” says Lula after ambassador’s visa is revoked
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described the revocation of the visa of the Brazilian ambassador to the US, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti – reported on Tuesday (Aug. 4) by the Trump administration – as an irresponsible and ill-advised move.
The US justified the measure by citing Brazil’s delay in responding to the request for diplomatic approval of the Trump administration’s nominee to head the US Embassy in Brazil.
The Brazilian government refuted the allegations, stating that they were false.
“[Trump] then took the step of revoking our ambassador’s visa. If she leaves [the US] and comes here, she’ll have to apply for a visa again. An irresponsible, ill-advised move for a country with 203 years of diplomatic history and relations. Uncalled for,” President Lula said.
The statement was made during an interview with news outlets on Wednesday (5).
“The US doesn’t take its ambassador to Brazil seriously. [Trump] has been in office for a year and a half and hasn’t sent one here. Then he tried to send one and thinks we’re obligated to set the date they want. That’s not right; it’s not possible. We’d like to be treated with respect,” he added.
Elections
Amid a series of diplomatic incidents, President Lula’s press office issued a statement on Tuesday noting that the denial of visas to two US government officials was justified because their presence in the country was intended to cast doubt on the Brazilian electoral system.
In his remarks, Lula reiterated that he will not accept any attempt at foreign interference in the October elections.
“Brazil is not only prepared but will stand up to anyone from outside the country who seeks to interfere in our electoral process.”
