Brazil Ends Custodianship of Argentine Embassy in Caracas Amid Diplomatic Strain
Brazil has ended its custodianship of the Argentine embassy in Caracas following diplomatic strains and insults from Argentina's Milei administration, transferring management to Italy.
- • Brazil ceased custodianship of the Argentine embassy in Caracas due to diplomatic tensions under Milei's administration.
- • Argentina has had no diplomatic presence in Venezuela since August 2024, following the expulsion of its diplomats.
- • Brazil protected the embassy and Venezuelan opposition members during its nine-month custodianship.
- • Brazilian President Lula criticized Milei's insulting remarks and highlighted the irony given Milei's stance against socialism.
Key details
Brazil has officially ceased its custodianship of the Argentine embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, a decision stemming from the diplomatic fallout caused by President Javier Milei's administration in Argentina. This move, communicated to both Argentina and Venezuela in early September 2024, follows the expulsion of Argentine diplomats from Caracas and the absence of an Argentine diplomatic presence in Venezuela since August 2024.
Brazil had maintained custody of the Argentine embassy for the past nine months, ensuring the safety of the embassy and its staff during a period of heightened tensions. Notably, the embassy had provided refuge to Venezuelan opposition members ahead of the July 2024 presidential elections. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had offered support to protect the embassy amid these challenges.
The diplomatic tensions further escalated following Milei's criticism of Lula's government during a CNN interview, where Milei accused Lula of pursuing diplomatic strategies to advance socialism. Brazilian officials expressed frustration over these remarks, viewing them as unwarranted provocations after Brazil's efforts to safeguard the embassy and opposition figures. "After our support, it is unfair for Milei to attack Brazil," Brazilian diplomatic sources commented, highlighting the irony given Milei's stance on socialism.
With Brazil stepping back, the management of the Argentine embassy in Caracas will now be transferred to Italy, marking a new chapter in Argentina's diplomatic representation in Venezuela. This change reflects the broader diplomatic rift between Buenos Aires and Caracas under the Milei administration and underscores Brazil's commitment to its foreign policy principles amid regional complexities.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
