Officially, Blinken is coming to the country to take part in the G20 meetings in Rio. Before this appointment he stops in Brasília. Planalto did not disclose the meeting's agenda, but the US government's note mentions “bilateral and global issues.” Despite good relations with President Joe Biden, Lula criticized North America's obstructive position in defending peace.
Opposite sides of the conflict
The USA was the only country to use veto power among UN Security Council members to block the proposed ceasefire in Gaza. Although it consists of 15 countries, the North American position is enough to veto the resolution, presented this time by Algeria.
The Americans had already vetoed a Brazilian proposal in October, which provoked public criticism from the government. “Our concern during this time has always been humanitarian and ultimately each country will have had its own inspiration,” said Chancellor Mauro Vieira after the decision.
The US is negotiating another ceasefire proposal. The American newspaper New York Times has accessed a draft resolution to “temporarily” end the conflict and warns Israel against a land invasion of the southern Gaza town of Rafah, where millions of Palestinians are seeking refuge.
Lula was one of the most critical international voices regarding the continuation of the conflict. In harsh statements against Israel, he has preached a ceasefire and expressed dissatisfaction with the United States and European countries, which he says are not committed to peace.