Politics

U.S. Defense Secretary adds to warnings against Bolsonaro coup threats

While visiting Brasília for a conference, Lloyd Austin ratcheted up the pressure on Bolsonaro, who has declared his intention not to respect October's election results

coup Brazilian Defense Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira (center), hosts counterparts of the region for a conference in Brasília. Photo: Antonio Cruz/ABr
Brazilian Defense Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira (center), hosts counterparts of the region for a conference in Brasília. Photo: Antonio Cruz/ABr

Speaking in Brasília, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told his Western Hemisphere counterparts on Tuesday that, “as U.S. President Joe Biden has said [during the latest Summit of the Americas], democracy is the hallmark of the Americas.”

This was the latest statement from an American official aimed at dissuading Brazil’s current government and Armed Forces from interfering with the October elections by not recognizing the results if Mr. Bolsonaro loses the vote. At this stage, all polls show former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva leading the race by a large margin.

Mr. Austin is visiting Brazil to attend the 15th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas. According to the Pentagon, “delegations will discuss regional shared challenges and opportunities in an atmosphere of open dialogue and mutual confidence.”

Additionally, the secretary “will support affirming the role of the military in a democratic society, including respect for civilian authorities, democratic processes, and human rights.”

During the same event, Brazilian Defense Minister Paulo Sérgio...

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