The Foreign Relations Commission (CRE) received this Wednesday (18) Minister Mauro Vieira from Itamaraty for a hearing on the role of Brazil in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian extremist organization Hamas. The Chancellor declared that the country had achieved a “diplomatic victory” by spearheading a ceasefire proposal in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), although it was not adopted. He also said that the government’s priority at the moment is to remove Brazilians from the conflict zone.
Brazil is president of the United Nations Security Council and led the drafting of a proposed resolution calling for a cessation of hostilities, the safety of children and the elderly, the release of foreign nationals and permission to enter relief resources for the local population. Twelve of the council’s 15 members supported the proposal, including China and France, which are permanent members. The United States voted against it and since it is also a permanent member, a vote against it constitutes a veto of the proposal.
Mauro Vieira explained that it is rare to obtain a sufficient number of votes to adopt a resolution in the UN Security Council and that Brazil’s efforts should therefore be considered successful. The reason for the American veto was the absence of any mention of Israel’s right to selfdefense in the text of the proposal.
— We do not have an approved resolution [no CSNU] since 2016, and most of the time there are not enough [de votos]. A veto only exists if the conditions for it exist [a proposta] To be approved. It was a unique case. It was a diplomatic victory for Brazil that twelve countries managed to join forces with Brazil. It’s a great achievement.
The Chancellor also pointed out that a new attempt at a solution was possible, but that one would have to wait for “new circumstances”. Brazil’s presidency lasts just one month and ends at the end of October.
Brazilian
Vieira explained that the operation to deport Brazilians who want to leave Israel is “at an advanced stage.” Itamaraty’s expectation is to evict around 1,500 people from the country in the first phase, dedicated to tourists, and then to serve those living in the country. About 14,000 Brazilians live in Israel and another 6,000 in Palestine, most of them in the West Bank.
— Brazil was the first country to launch a national repatriation operation with very high efficiency. There are citizens on both sides of the conflict who need help. It is our duty and priority to respond to both as quickly as possible. The determination of the President of the Republic is not to leave any Brazilian behind. I would like to thank the support of many parliamentarians who have reached out and helped us identify people who need help, both in Israel and Palestine.
The situation of Brazilians in Gaza is “more complex,” said the minister, the area is under Israeli blockade and the only exit point on the border with Egypt is closed. There were 32 people who expressed a desire to return to Brazil, including 13 children. Vieira explained that Itamaraty was in contact with “all parties” to negotiate the passage of the Brazilians.
Questions
Opposition senators questioned the chancellor over what they said was the inadequate attitude of Brazilian diplomacy toward Hamas. Although lawmakers praised efforts to repatriate Brazilians, they disapproved of the fact that Brazil has not designated Hamas as a terrorist group.
For Senator Carlos Viana (PodemosMG), Brazil needs to “rethink its foreign policy”.
At a time when Brazil is proposing an agreement without taking into account the crimes committed in Israel, we support terrorists politically and diplomatically. It is not enough to condemn the attacks. The proposal presented does not include support for the disarmament of Hamas. It does not refer to Israel’s right to defend itself. Brazil cannot argue about this.
Senator Sergio Moro (UniãoPR) was also dissatisfied and emphasized that Brazilian citizens were also killed in the Hamas attacks.
I would ask Brazilian diplomacy to take a tougher stance on these facts. Itamaraty’s grades are below the required level. They talk about death [dos brasileiros]but do not name those responsible.
Mauro Vieira said that Brazil follows the position of the United Nations, which does not classify Hamas as a terrorist group. The Chancellor also argued that a tougher stance could complicate negotiations both on the repatriation of the Brazilians and in the Security Council. He also said that Brazil’s diplomatic practice is one of “dialogue” without taking “political positions.”
The President of the CRE, Senator Renan Calheiros (MDBAL), reiterated this position.
— The tradition of Brazilian diplomacy has always been to seek peace in every conflict, in every part of the world, regardless of the international actors involved. Brazil has maintained its reputation as a nation equally aloof from litigation and with the authority to propose viable and reliable solutions to pacification.
Senator Mara Gabrilli (PSDSP) wanted to know whether Brazil will create humanitarian visas for refugees from the conflict, as it has already done for Afghan, Syrian and Ukrainian refugees. Vieira replied that this initiative depends on the “attention” of Brazilian diplomats and joint actions with the Ministry of Justice.
Amorim
At the end of the meeting with Mauro Vieira, the CRE approved a motion (REQ 32/2023) inviting former Chancellor Celso Amorim, now Special Adviser to the President of the Republic, to participate in a hearing before the Commission. Moro explained that Amorim is also a “relevant figure” in Brazilian diplomacy and deserves to be heard about the situation in Israel.
Agência Senado (reproduction permitted with quote from Agência Senado)