Acts in Brazil reject the US offensive and denounce a threat to Latin America

Demonstrations in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and in repudiation of the United States military offensive take to the streets of several Brazilian cities this Monday (5). The acts denounce the violation of international law, the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, and warn of the risks to sovereignty and democracy throughout Latin America. The mobilizations are part of a national and international day of protests that intensified after the US operation in Venezuela.

Also read: Global protests and internal resistance against US actions in Venezuela begin

Trade unions, popular movements and civil society organizations claim that the aggression against Venezuela goes beyond the country’s borders and threatens regional stability. For the entities, the attack expresses an imperialist escalation that disrespects the self-determination of the people, seeks to control strategic resources and sets a dangerous precedent for all of Latin America and the Caribbean. In this sense, the demonstrations defend the immediate release of Venezuelan leaders, reaffirm the region’s historic commitment to peace and demand from the Brazilian State — through its powers and diplomacy — a firm position condemning the military offensive.

Also read: Venezuela’s Supreme Court appoints Delcy Rodríguez as interim president

The National Union of Students (UNE) highlights the leading role of youth in defending Latin American sovereignty. “Brazilian students do not agree with the North American tyranny of imposing its authoritarian and military policies on Latin American countries!”, states the entity in a statement.

In a new call for mobilization, UNE criticizes the discourse that tries to justify military interventions as humanitarian actions. “Bombings, interventions and wars continue to be sold as ‘humanitarian missions’, but they almost never have humanity as a priority. Behind the moral discourse, what is repeated is the logic of interest: control of territories, access to resources, strategic routes, economic and geopolitical power. We will not accept this logic advancing in Latin America. We are sovereign peoples. Our land, our resources and our future are not for sale! Monday, the 5th, our response will be in the streets”, calls the entity.

Where and when the events take place (05/01)

• São Paulo (SP) – In front of the US Consulate – Av. Henri Dunant, 500 – Chácara Santo Antônio (South Zone) | 16h
• Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Cinelândia | 16h
• Brasilia (DF) – National Museum of the Republic | 17h
• Salvador (BA) – Piedade Square | 16h
• Belo Horizonte (MG) – Praça Sete | 17h
• Porto Alegre (RS) – US Consulate | 17h

In addition to this Monday, the solidarity agenda continues with new acts:

• 08/01 – Fortaleza (CE) – Ferreira Square | 15h
• 10/01 – Brasília (DF) – National Solidarity Daywith a unified act in the federal capital

International condemnation and diplomatic reaction

This Monday’s demonstrations occur in parallel with a far-reaching diplomatic reaction. In joint statement published this Sunday (4), the governments of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain rejected the military operation carried out by the United States in Venezuela, which resulted in the kidnapping of the Venezuelan president. The document reaffirms the commitment to the United Nations Charter, the peaceful resolution of disputes and the character of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Read the full joint note below:

The Governments of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain, in light of the gravity of the events in Venezuela and reaffirming their commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, jointly express the following positions:

1. We express our deep concern and repudiation of the military actions carried out unilaterally in Venezuelan territory, which contravene fundamental principles of international law, in particular the prohibition of the use and threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. These actions set an extremely dangerous precedent for regional peace and security and put the civilian population at risk.

2. We reiterate that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law. We reaffirm that only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic and sustainable solution that respects human dignity.

3. We reaffirm the character of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, built on mutual respect, the peaceful resolution of disputes and non-intervention, and we call for regional unity, beyond political differences, in the face of any action that puts regional stability at risk. We also urge the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Member States of relevant multilateral mechanisms to use their good offices to contribute to reducing tensions and preserving regional peace.

4. We express our concern regarding any attempt at government control, administration or external appropriation of natural or strategic resources, which is incompatible with international law and threatens the political, economic and social stability of the region.

For the organizers of the events in Brazil, the combination of popular mobilization and international diplomatic pressure is essential to contain the interventionist escalation and guarantee respect for Venezuelan sovereignty. The entities reinforce the call for popular participation in this Monday’s demonstrations, highlighting that the defense of Venezuela is also the defense of peace and self-determination for all of Latin America.

__

with agencies