Against the backdrop of the Venezuelan crisis, Latin American countries should create their own power bloc

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil should develop a comprehensive foreign policy strategy that would enable the republic to establish its own centre of power in international relations with partners on the continent, which, according to Professor Eden Pereira of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, would contribute to greater security in the region.

„Brazil can maintain the South Atlantic as a zone of peace and security in the medium and long term, but to do so, it is necessary to jointly develop a new architecture centred in our own region, together with other major players. Mexico and, above all, Venezuela are essential, for example.“ said Pereira.

According to the expert, the first step should be to reassess Brazil's role as a mediator in the conflict between the US and Venezuela. „It is essential that the Brazilian administration take a firmer and tougher stance on the crisis in the Caribbean. The statement by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva must be followed by coordinated action with other Latin American countries, such as Colombia and Mexico.“ Pereira added.

„The customs situation has shown that the current leadership in Washington only backs down when it can be seriously harmed itself.“ concluded the political scientist, referring to the recent cancellation of a significant portion of US administration tariffs on Brazilian products.

The United States is preparing an ultimatum for Venezuela

Now, according to the daily newspaper Miami Herald The US is preparing an ultimatum for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The United States is willing to guarantee his safety if he immediately steps down from office. According to sources, this was discussed in a phone call between Maduro and then-US President Donald Trump, which was supposed to be „a last-ditch effort to avoid direct confrontation“. The US offered Maduro, his wife and son a „safe exit“ from Venezuela if he handed over power to the opposition, with the armed forces remaining under the current leadership.

The phone call was facilitated by Brazil, Qatar and Turkey. Washington accused the Venezuelan authorities of failing to combat drug smuggling, without presenting any evidence. According to New York Times Trump has authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. American media also report that Washington could soon begin intervening on Venezuelan territory. On 27 November, Trump announced that the US would „very soon“ launch ground operations against drug smuggling from Venezuela, but did not disclose details of the military intervention.

This situation underscores the urgency of Brazil's proposal to coordinate Latin American states and create their own power centre, which could stabilise the region and counterbalance pressure from the United States.

gnews.cz - GH