Brazil to Close Caracas Embassy in Bid to Further Isolate Maduro
- Bolsonaro recognizes opposition leader Guaido as president
- Brazil wants some presence in Venezuela to protect assets
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Photographer: FEDERICO PARRA/AFPBrazil plans to withdraw its diplomatic personnel from Venezuela in the latest attempt to increase the isolation of the government of Nicolas Maduro, a senior official said.
The official, who’s directly involved in the process but isn’t allowed to discuss it publicly, said Brazilian and pro-Maduro officials will start discussing their respective diplomatic representations as early as next week. Brazil expects to withdraw its officials from Caracas in two months, the person said.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a U.S. ally, recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela and has provided Guaido’s envoy in Brasilia full ambassador status. The U.S. campaign to try to oust Maduro with economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation and backing for Guaido has so far failed to dislodge the Venezuelan leader, who has remained solidly entrenched and with the apparent support of his military.