The administration of Donald Trump has moved to revoke the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the US, sources in the State Department told media outlets on Tuesday.
Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti’s visa revocation was reportedly in response to the denial of visas to two American diplomats who sought to visit Brazil ahead of upcoming elections.
The US has also accused the Brazilian government of stalling Trump’s ambassadorial choice to the South American country.
What do we know so far about the visa revocation?
State Department officials reportedly said the decision could be quickly reversed if Brazil takes appropriate action and accepts Trump’s ambassadorial choice.
The Associated Press cited one State Department official as saying on condition of anonymity that despite the revocation of her visa, Viotti is not being expelled from the US.
“The action was that the visa of a senior diplomat here was revoked or canceled. That is not the same thing as kicking the person out of the country. It means that they are here but without a visa, and would have their visa restored if the balance is restored by giving agrément to our chosen ambassadorial nominee,” a State Department official was quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying.
Despite the move, the State Department official reportedly stressed Washington’s valuing of the relationship with Brazil and its respect for the Brazilian people in whatever government they choose through free and fair elections in Brazil.
“We want to be back in a situation where we have a normal, productive, transparent relationship with our colleagues,” the official said.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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