BBC- The US has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, marking another escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries ahead of Brazil's elections.
- This decision is described as a reciprocal action due to Brazil's delay in granting agrément to US ambassador nominee Daniel Perez.
- Brazil's government has repudiated the decision, claiming the US justifications for the visa revocation are false and labeling it a deliberate escalation of hostile measures.
- Brazil denied visas to two US State Department officials last month, with President Lula accusing them of wanting to meddle in Brazil's elections.
- US President Donald Trump nominated Daniel Perez as ambassador to Brazil on June 1 without first seeking Brazil's approval, a common diplomatic step.
- Perez's nomination was voted out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in late July.
The U.S. State Department's decision to revoke Brazilian Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti's visa is a direct response to Brazil's delay in granting diplomatic approval for Daniel Perez, nominated as the new U.S. ambassador. This action is described as a reciprocal measure following Brazil's refusal to allow two U.S. officials to visit, which Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva claimed was due to concerns over election interference.
The visa revocation comes as Brazil prepares for its October elections, where Lula will face Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The U.S. has accused Brazil of delaying the approval process for Perez, with a senior State Department official stating, “We have communicated continually with the Brazilian government for weeks and have given the Brazilian government every opportunity to do the right thing.”
In response, the Brazilian government has labeled the U.S. justifications for the visa cancellation as “false” and an “unacceptable attempt to interfere” in its domestic politics. The Brazilian presidency emphasized that the U.S. has escalated tensions through “hostile measures” driven by ideological motives.
The U.S. official clarified that the revocation does not equate to expulsion, stating, “This particular event is focused on the fact that we have a well-qualified ambassadorial nominee.” The situation reflects ongoing diplomatic disputes, including the U.S. reimposing tariffs on Brazil and designating Brazilian gangs as terrorist organizations.
As the political landscape shifts, the U.S. remains hopeful for a resolution, with the State Department indicating that Viotti's visa could be restored if Brazil grants agrément to Perez.
“Brazil's presidency called the justifications false, saying the move is part of a deliberate escalation of hostile measures. The visa could be restored if Brazil grants agrément to US ambassador nominee Daniel Perez.”
