BRASILIA, June 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for Venezuela to allow for a large presence of international observers during the country’s upcoming presidential elections, where Nicolas Maduro is seeking a third term.
The appeal to Maduro came days after Venezuela withdrew an invitation for European Union observers to attend the July 28 vote, accusing the bloc of “interventionist practices” because of its sanctions against Caracas.
In a phone call between the two leaders, Lula reiterated to his Venezuelan counterpart “Brazil’s support to the Barbados agreement and highlighted the importance of having a large presence of international observers,” the Brazilian presidency said.
Maduro’s government and the political opposition agreed in Barbados last year to hold a free and fair vote in 2024 with international observers present.
Since then, however, the Supreme Court loyal to Maduro upheld a 15-year ban on opposition primary winner Maria Corina Machado on what are widely seen as trumped-up accusations, and arrested several other opposition leaders and activists.
The United States, which had partially lifted sanctions on Venezuela, reinstated them in April when it accused Maduro’s government of political repression ahead of the vote.
In the phone call, Lula expressed hope that “international sanctions on Venezuela can be lifted” so that the electoral process could advance in a “climate of trust and understanding.”
Lula and Maduro also discussed bilateral relations, including the Brazilian investment projects.
The Brazilian president also said he wanted to strengthen bilateral collaboration around protecting the Yanomami Indigenous people who live along the border of the two countries. — NNN-AGENCIES
