Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that he had a conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday afternoon, during which the Canadian leader accepted an invitation to visit Brazil in April. Both leaders expressed disapproval of the United States’ use of force in Venezuela and emphasized the need for reform in global governance institutions.
Lula shared on social media that they discussed the situation in Venezuela and its impact on the region, condemning the use of force that lacks support from the United Nations Charter and international law. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) revealed that the leaders talked about Venezuela and pledged to support a transition process led by Venezuelans that respects the democratic will of the people.
While emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and sovereignty, the PMO statement did not directly address the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. There was no mention in the PMO readout of any confirmed plans for Carney’s visit to Brazil in April.
Following a military operation in Caracas last Saturday, where U.S. forces detained Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, they were taken to New York and have since pleaded not guilty to drug charges. In an interview with The New York Times, President Donald Trump hinted that U.S. involvement in Venezuela may extend for an extended period.
The Canadian Press has reached out to the PMO for further comments, but a statement has not been received yet.