Recently appointed Brazilian Ambassador to Venezuela, Glivânia Oliveira, is expected to face a challenging diplomatic scenario. The changes in politics in the Mercosur block, with the return of Venezuela, will be one of the key issues the diplomat will have to navigate.
According to the Brazil de Fato newspaper, Oliveira stated that Brazil will face opposition from Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, all of which currently have right-wing governments that are hostile towards Venezuela. These political tensions within the Mercosur block are likely to complicate diplomatic efforts for the Brazilian ambassador.
Oliveira has a strong background in diplomacy, having previously served as the director-general of the Rio Branco Institute. She also has experience as an ambassador to Panama and as a consul-general in Boston, USA. In addition, she was selected in early 2023 to represent Brazil in the dialogue between the Colombian government and the guerrilla group ELN (National Liberation Army).
Internally, the main issue in Venezuela is the upcoming 2024 election. The National Electoral Council (CNE) has not yet set a date for the election, and the government and part of the opposition are negotiating and discussing proposals for a calendar that aligns with the agreement reached in Barbados.
In addition, the disputed territory of Essequibo is another key issue for the Brazilian embassy in Venezuela. The territory, which covers 160,000 km² and is rich in oil, has become a focal point of tension between Venezuela and Guyana following the granting of concessions to the US company Exxon Mobil for the exploration of maritime reserves off the coast of Essequibo.
To navigate these complex and sensitive diplomatic issues, Oliveira will need to exercise caution and strategic planning. According to experts, the Brazilian diplomat will have to approach these topics with a high degree of political awareness and anti-imperialist and anticolonial sentiment.
Another issue that Brazil will have to address is the referendum called by Maduro on the sovereignty of Venezuela over the Essequibo territory. The neutral position of Brazil in this dispute will be crucial to maintaining a peaceful resolution and avoiding further escalation of tensions.
In summary, the role of the Brazilian ambassador in Venezuela will be challenging, as she will have to navigate complex diplomatic issues related to Mercosur, the 2024 election, and the Essequibo dispute while maintaining a neutral and strategic approach. These diplomatic efforts will require a high level of political acumen and awareness to effectively represent Brazil’s interests in Venezuela.
