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Venezuelan dictator Maduro’s visit to Brazil for South American Summit turns disastrous, Lula experiences strong criticism, and Brazil’s Congress seeks Interpol’s aid for a US DOJ Warrant.

It seems that Brazilian socialist president Lula da Silva made a grave mistake when inviting Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro to Brasilia for a Summit of South American countries. The visit was an outright disaster, leaving Lula to face backlash from not only other participating countries but Brazilian politicians within his own ranks. Lula’s defense of Venezuela as a victim of democratization got him nowhere, as the US Department of Justice has a warrant out for Maduro.

Congressmen from the opposition were infuriated, going as far as sending letters to the US embassy, urging for the arrest of Hugo Chávez’s successor. The document includes claims against Maduro, accusing him of crimes such as drug trafficking, international terrorism, and corruption. Connecting with Interpol, Congress sought information on the existence of an arrest warrant, along with any measures taken or planned for Maduro’s immediate arrest.

Members of Maduro’s entourage recommended an early return to Venezuela after the Chamber of Deputies approved a request for investigation, extradition, and potential arrest of the Venezuelan leader. It seems that Maduro’s presence could cause unnecessary diplomatic issues. A similar incident nearly occurred in Argentina.

Lula’s decision to embrace Maduro did not sit well with other South American countries. Even the president of Uruguay, Lacalle Pou, expressed shock and disapproval in what Maduro and Lula claimed as a narrative. Chilean president Gabriel Boric also joined the disapproving chorus, urging for respect for human rights.

To make matters even worse, security guards of the Venezuelan dictator resorted to violence against journalists at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasília during an interview. The Foreign Ministry has expressed regret and said they would be taking measures to determine responsibilities.

This event is evidence that Lula’s support for Maduro has indeed caused Lula to ‘slip on a banana peel,’ resulting in a disastrous South American Summit and urging Brazilian Congress to take action.

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