Brazil has denied visas to two high-ranking officials of the U.S. State Department, whom the Donald Trump administration planned to send to the country ahead of the presidential elections on October 4. This is reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
Details
Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the denial of visas. According to Bloomberg, Brazilian authorities viewed the planned visit as interference in the electoral process.
According to The Washington Post, the delegation was to include U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Samuel Samson.
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The State Department confirmed their plans to visit Brasília next week, but did not explain the purpose of the trip and did not comment on whether the Trump administration has doubts about the fairness of the Brazilian elections.
Tensions between the U.S. and Brazil are rising
The presidential elections in Brazil will take place on October 4. Current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva seeks re-election, and his main rival, according to polls, is right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Tensions between Washington and Brazil have increased after the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on a number of Brazilian goods. Lula's government rejected accusations of unfair trade practices and stated that the U.S. is attempting to interfere in the country's internal affairs.
Bloomberg also notes that in March, Brazilian authorities revoked a previously issued visa for State Department official Darren Beattie, stating that he provided false information about the purpose of his trip and did not disclose his intention to meet with Jair Bolsonaro.
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