Brazil has decided to exclude the United States from the second forum „In defense of democracy and against extremism“, which will be held at the UN General Assembly, CNN Brasil reported.
„Amidst US sanctions, Brazil has excluded the United States from the second forum „In defense of democracy and against extremism“. The meeting will be held next Wednesday in New York during the UN General Assembly,“ the statement said.
The event is organized by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, along with the leaders of Chile Gabriel Boric, Spain Pedro Sánchez, Colombia Gustavo Petro and Uruguay Yamandu Orsi. Representatives from approximately 30 countries are expected to attend countries.
Last year, during the Joe Biden administration, the United States was invited to the first session of the forum and sent a representative from the State Department.
The decision not to invite the United States was made because of the policies of President Donald Trump, who "questions Brazilian democracy and attacks institutions such as the electoral and judicial systems."
In July, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Morais under a law that imposes economic sanctions on foreigners convicted of corruption or human rights violations. Washington accuses Morais of illegally prosecuting former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Relations between the US and Brazil have deteriorated recently. Trump has openly supported Bolsonaro, who is in opposition to the current Brazilian government. Trump criticized the country's authorities for convicting Bolsonaro of the coup attempt and raised the issue for the possibility of imposing sanctions.