“I don’t know how or why [el portavoz del Consejo de Seguridad Nacional de la Casa Blanca] came to that conclusion. But I do not agree in any way,” Vieira told reporters in Brasilia, where President Lula da Silva met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday.
Spokesman John Kirby harshly criticized Brazil on Monday after the president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated during a trip to China that the United States “incentivizes war” in Ukraine.
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“In this case, Brazil is parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda without looking at the facts at all.” Kirby told reporters without mentioning Lula.
Vieira initially said he was not aware of the statements, but defended relations between Russia and Brazil.
“I can only say that Brazil and Russia celebrate 195 years of diplomatic relations this year (…) they are two countries that have a common history,” said the minister outside the official residence of Alvorada, in Brasilia, where Lula met with Lavrov.
The crossing of statements occurs at times when Brazil promotes international mediation for the war in Ukraine, presenting itself as a neutral intermediary.
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“(Lavrov’s) conversation both with me and with the president did not go into questions of war, but into questions of peace. Brazil wants to promote peace and is ready to join a group of countries that are willing to talk about peace,” said Vieira.
“He (Lavrov) offered himself and I offered myself on behalf of Brazil to promote this dialogue,” added.
The entrance Brazil rejects US criticism and defends relationship with Russia was first published on newspaper TODAY.
