Brazil plans to relinquish custody of Argentina’s Embassy and diplomatic interests in Caracas as ties between Brasília and Buenos Aires deteriorate, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.
The change could take effect in coming days, according to one of the people. Brazil has informed both Argentina and Venezuela of its decision, another person said, adding Brazil will continue to represent Peru’s embassy and interests in Venezuela.
The proposed move follows days of attacks by Argentina's President Javier Milei and his supporters on social media, portraying Brazil as a vast favela, or slum, and criticising President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s relationship with ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, depicting both as dictators.
Italy may represent Argentina in Caracas, one of the people said.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, Venezuela’s Information Ministry, and Italy’s Foreign Ministry didn’t immediately respond to separate requests for comment.
Brazil assumed custody of Argentina’s Embassy in August 2024 after Venezuelan authorities expelled Argentine diplomatic staff.
The move came after Milei rejected Maduro’s self-declared election victory, despite evidence his opponent won in a landslide.
At the time, six close aides to opposition leader María Corina Machado – including her campaign manager and press chief – were sheltering inside the Argentine Embassy after arrest warrants were issued against them on charges of treason and conspiracy. Brazil’s custodial role included responsibility for their protection.
The embassy compound in eastern Caracas was subjected to a 15-month siege until May 2025, when aides escaped during a US operation, the details of which remain unclear.
by Peter Frontini, Bloomberg
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