Brazil has decided not to allow the United States to participate in the second forum “In Defense of Democracy and against Extremism”, which will be held within the framework of the UN General Assembly, CNN Brasil reported.
“Against the background of American sanctions, Brazil excluded the United States from the second forum “In defense of democracy and against extremism.“ The meeting will take place next Wednesday in New York within the framework of the UN General Assembly,” the statement said.
The event was organized by Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva together with the leaders of Chile Gabriel Boric, Spain Pedro Sanchez, Colombia Gustavo Petro and Uruguay Yamando Orsi. Representatives from about 30 countries are expected to participate.
Last year, under the Joe Biden administration, the United States was invited to the first meeting of the forum and sent a representative of the State Department.
The decision not to invite the United States was made due to the policy of President Donald Trump, who “casts doubt on Brazilian democracy and attacks institutions such as the electoral and judicial system.”
In July, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions against Alexandri di Morais, a judge of the country’s supreme court, in accordance with a law that provides for economic sanctions against foreigners convicted of corruption or human rights violations. Washington accuses Morais of illegally persecuting former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Relations between the United States and Brazil have recently escalated. Trump openly supports Bolsonaro, who is in opposition to the current Brazilian government. Trump criticized the authorities of this country because of the verdict of Bolsonaro in the case of the attempted coup and allowed the possibility of imposing sanctions.