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Brazil's Lula Warns: Armed Venezuela Intervention Would Be 'Humanitarian Catastrophe'

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has issued a stark warning against any armed intervention in Venezuela. Speaking at a major regional summit, he labeled such action a potential "humanitarian catastrophe" for the hemisphere. Lula revealed he directly advised US President Trump that negotiation is a better path than military confrontation. His comments come amid US sanctions and a naval blockade against the Venezuelan government.

Key Points: Lula Warns US Venezuela Intervention Would Be Humanitarian Catastrophe

  • Lula condemns US naval blockade and military pressure on Venezuela as dangerous extra-regional interference
  • He stresses negotiation with the US is more effective and less costly than military confrontation
  • The Trump administration has designated Maduro's government a foreign terrorist organization
  • Regional countries and organizations denounce US actions and call for UN intervention
2 min read

Brazilian president warns armed intervention in Venezuela would be 'humanitarian catastrophe'

Brazilian President Lula da Silva condemns US military threats against Venezuela, calling potential armed intervention a "humanitarian catastrophe" for the hemisphere.

"An armed intervention in Venezuela would be a humanitarian catastrophe for the hemisphere and a dangerous precedent for the world. - President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva"

Foz Do Iguacu, Dec 21

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Saturday that an armed intervention in Venezuela would be "a humanitarian catastrophe" for the region and set a dangerous precedent for the world.

Speaking at the 67th Summit of Heads of State of Mercosur and Associated States, Lula referred to US threats and actions against Venezuela, including a naval blockade and military pressure on the Caribbean nation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Latin America is shocked by "the military presence of an extra-regional power," Lula said, stressing that "building a prosperous and peaceful South America is the only doctrine that suits us."

"The limits of international law are being tested. An armed intervention in Venezuela would be a humanitarian catastrophe for the hemisphere and a dangerous precedent for the world," he said.

Lula said he told US President Donald Trump in a recent phone call that negotiation is a more effective and less costly path than military confrontation.

The Trump administration has blocked oil tankers sailing to or from Venezuela and designated the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as "a foreign terrorist organization."

Several Latin American countries and regional organizations have denounced the US actions, calling for dialogue and urging the United Nations and the international community to act.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's concerning how quickly the US resorts to blockades and threats. This is their foreign policy playbook. Venezuela's issues are complex and need regional solutions, not external force. Brazil showing leadership here is commendable. 🇧🇷
A
Aman W
As an Indian, I see parallels with how big powers try to bully smaller nations. We've seen this before. The UN needs to step up and prevent this. No one wants another refugee crisis or war on their doorstep.
S
Sarah B
While I agree war is terrible, isn't there a responsibility to protect people if a government is failing its citizens? The humanitarian situation in Venezuela is already a catastrophe. Maybe the criticism should also be directed at Maduro's regime for creating the conditions for this crisis.
K
Karthik V
Strong words from Lula! "Building a prosperous and peaceful South America" should be the goal. The US should focus on its own problems first. Let Latin America solve Latin American problems. More regional cooperation like Mercosur is the way forward.
N
Nikhil C
Oil tankers blocked, called a terrorist organization... sounds familiar? This is pure economic warfare. It destabilizes the whole region. India should also be cautious in its engagements and support peaceful dialogue. Jai Hind!

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