Bogotá, Colombia – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a sharp rebuke of U.S. Policy toward Venezuela and Cuba during remarks at the Celac-Africa High-Level Forum on Saturday, asserting that actions taken by Washington are fundamentally undemocratic. Lula’s comments, delivered in the Colombian capital, reflect a growing trend of Latin American leaders challenging U.S. Influence in the region and advocating for a more multipolar world order. The core of his message: Latin America’s sovereignty must be respected.
“It’s not possible, we cannot admit that others think they own us,” Lula stated, according to reports from the forum. He specifically cited U.S. Involvement in Venezuela and the ongoing embargo against Cuba as examples of policies that undermine democratic principles. The Brazilian president questioned the legal and moral basis for interventionist policies, asking, “In what paragraph, in what article of the United Nations Charter does it say that a president of one country can invade another? Is it written in the Bible?”
A History of U.S. Involvement in Venezuela
Lula’s criticism of U.S. Policy toward Venezuela stems from a complex history of political and economic pressure. The U.S. Has long accused the Venezuelan government, under both Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. In January 2019, the U.S. Recognized Juan Guaidó, then the president of the National Assembly, as the interim president of Venezuela, a move widely seen as an attempt to oust Maduro. While Guaidó’s claim to the presidency ultimately failed, the U.S. Maintained sanctions against Venezuela, significantly impacting the country’s economy.
More recently, reports surfaced alleging a U.S. Operation in Venezuela in January 2024, which reportedly involved capturing individuals linked to the Maduro government. While U.S. Officials have not publicly confirmed the details of the operation, the Venezuelan government has condemned it as a violation of its sovereignty. Reuters reported on Venezuela’s accusations, detailing the government’s claims of a coordinated effort to destabilize the Maduro administration.
The Cuban Embargo and Regional Concerns
Lula also took aim at the decades-long U.S. Embargo against Cuba, a policy that has been widely criticized internationally. The embargo, first imposed in 1962, has significantly hampered Cuba’s economic development and access to essential goods. Despite some easing of restrictions under the Obama administration, the embargo remains largely in place, and the Biden administration has maintained a firm stance against lifting it without significant political reforms in Cuba.
The Brazilian president’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment within Latin America that the U.S. Embargo is counterproductive and harmful to the Cuban people. Many regional leaders argue that the embargo violates international law and hinders Cuba’s ability to address its economic challenges. The United Nations General Assembly has repeatedly voted overwhelmingly in favor of resolutions calling for an finish to the embargo, with the U.S. Consistently voting against the resolutions.
UN’s Role and Global Conflicts
Beyond specific policies toward Venezuela and Cuba, Lula expressed deep frustration with the perceived ineffectiveness of the United Nations in resolving global conflicts. He lamented what he described as a “total and absolute lack of functioning” within the UN system, particularly within the Security Council. He argued that the permanent members of the Security Council – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – often prioritize their own interests over the collective security of the international community.
“I am, as a human being, as a democrat, and as president of Brazil, indignant with the passivity of the members of the Security Council who have not been able to solve the problem of Gaza, of Iraq, of Libya,” Lula said. He also cited the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran as examples of the UN’s failure to effectively address global crises. He pointed to the staggering amount of global military spending – SIPRI reported $2.7 trillion spent on arms and wars in 2023 – while 630 million people worldwide face hunger.
Lula’s criticism of the UN echoes long-standing calls for reform of the Security Council, including proposals to expand the number of permanent members and to limit the employ of the veto power. However, any significant reform of the Security Council would require the agreement of all five permanent members, making it a politically challenging undertaking.
The Brazilian president concluded his remarks with a stark warning about the increasing concentration of conflicts around the world, expressing concern that the current trajectory could lead to a wider global conflagration. He emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to diplomacy and multilateralism, and for a more equitable and just international order.
Looking ahead, Lula is expected to continue to advocate for a more independent and assertive role for Latin America in global affairs. Brazil currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20, and Lula is likely to use this platform to promote his vision of a more multipolar world. The next key event to watch will be the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, where Lula will have an opportunity to further articulate his views on global governance and international cooperation.
This is a developing story. Readers seeking information on humanitarian aid and support for those affected by conflict can find resources at the UN Refugee Agency and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
