Jamil Chad US sanctions threaten Maduro’s landing for Lula’s inauguration 12/31/2022 6:05 PM

The American sanctions imposed on any company that maintains business relations with the government of Nicolas Maduro still casts doubt on the disembarkation of the Venezuelan president for the inauguration of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on January 1, 2023.

Itamaraty sources confirm that an advanced delegation landed in Brasília this afternoon to prepare for Maduro’s eventual arrival. But obstacles still exist.

Because of the embargo, companies that would refuel their plane to allow Maduro to return to his home country could be penalized by the US government and prevented such companies from operating on US soil or even using the US financial system.

Therefore, before closing a supply contract, these companies at the Brasília airport want assurances that they will not be penalized by the US government for later entering into a commercial relationship with Venezuelans, even if it is just supply. an airplane

The column learned that the negotiations were held on the afternoon of December 31st, mobilizing companies, Brazilian, American and Venezuelan diplomacy. If the issue is resolved, Maduro will begin his inauguration on the morning of January 1.

In Brazil, there is already jurisprudence obliging companies to procure ships or aircraft from countries that may be under sanctions. In 2019, the same stalemate caused two Iranian ships to stop. The court ruled that the boats could be refueled.

This time, the aim is neither to turn the situation into a judicial war, nor to make Maduro feel the embarrassment of being stranded in Brazil, which cannot return because there is no gasoline.

This is the second impasse of Maduro’s trip. The first was a decree by Jair Bolsonaro that began banning Venezuelan authorities from setting foot on Brazilian soil in 2019. At his inauguration, Lula, whose aim was to unite South America, insisted that the problem be resolved. However, Bolsonaro’s government refused to revoke the decree.

In fact, a week ago, Lula gave up and Maduro signaled that he would understand the situation. But to the surprise of even the PT’s advisers, Bolsonaro repealed the law this Thursday. Given the short time until opening, there will be no guarantee that the preparatory process can be completed.

Still, Brasilia and Caracas intensified their work to overcome the difficulties. According to the sources, they were not counted with the possible supply problem.