Brazil will end custody of the Argentine embassy in Venezuela

The government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva decided to end the custody and diplomatic representation of the Argentine Embassy in Venezuela, a function that had been performed by Brazil since August 2024. The decision was officially communicated to the Argentine government last Thursday (8) and, the following day, to the Venezuelan authorities. The transition of responsibility should begin over the next week, according to diplomatic sources.

The measure comes just days after the United States military operation that resulted in the overthrow of Nicolás Maduro and amid worsening political differences between Lula and Argentine president, Javier Milei. At Itamaraty, the assessment is that Brazil has already fulfilled its role at a time considered critical and that, given the new political scenario in Venezuela, Argentina can resume responsibility for its diplomatic representation in Caracas. To date, however, the official reason for the decision has not been disclosed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Since August 2024, Brazil had taken custody of the Argentine embassy building and consular activities, in addition to protecting Venezuelan opponents who sought asylum there. Brazilian diplomats assess that the mission involved high risks and required continuous effort from national diplomacy to guarantee the safety of the facilities and protected people over the course of approximately 17 months.

The change of position also reflects the distance between Brasília and Buenos Aires regarding the international response to the Venezuelan crisis. While the Lula government condemned the United States military operation and has defended people’s self-determination and national sovereignty, Javier Milei publicly praised the action ordered by US President Donald Trump. This contrast in positions deepened political friction between the two governments.

Also read: Lula articulates regional reaction to Trump’s threats and offensive in Venezuela

Even with the return of custody of the embassy to Argentina, the Brazilian government maintained dialogue with the Venezuelan authorities to request the release of Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine police officer arrested in December 2024, accused by the Chavista regime of involvement in terrorist activities. Until now, he remains detained.

Brazil, however, will continue to be responsible for Peru’s diplomatic representation in Caracas. The Peruvian government severed relations with Venezuela after contesting the results of the elections that had guaranteed a new mandate for Nicolás Maduro, before his departure from power.

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The information is from Folha de S.Paulo and O Globo.