Brazil chancellor says Maduro stands thanks to support overseas

Brazilian Chancellor Ernesto Araújo said that the Lima Group is not planning on loosening up on the “pressure for democracy in Venezuela.” He noted Nicolás Maduro is still in power thanks to support from abroad. The statements were made after a group meeting was held in Buenos Aires on Tuesday (Jul 23).

“Maduro is alive today because of certain strongholds overseas. I think the declaration [drafted by the Lima Group at the meeting] makes it more difficult for countries supporting Maduro to continue offering support. It becomes clear that it is a regime dramatically attacking human rights. This is a reality the whole continent is concerned about,” Araújo said.

Support for Guaidó

The Lima Group comprises Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. After the meeting in Argentina, an official declaration was released in which leaders express their support for self-proclaimed acting president of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó.

The Brazilian chancellor stressed the importance of the group and said a consensus has been reached that Venezuela is a major concern throughout the region.

Regarding a possible intervention in the country, Araújo said the issue was not discussed. “Our understanding is that this issue needs to be addressed and democracy returned to Venezuela, so that all of Latin America can make strides to consolidate democracy and prosperity.”

In the declaration, the Lima Group deplored Venezuela’s move to run for a seat at the UN Human Rights Council, supporting Brazil’s candidacy instead.