Paraguay's Foreign Ministry silent on Lula's Triple Alliance remarks

Paraguay's Foreign Ministry has maintained a conspicuous silence regarding Brazilian President Lula da Silva's recent comments on the War of the Triple Alliance. The remarks, which characterized Paraguay's actions as an invasion of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, have drawn criticism from Paraguayan parliamentarians and historians.

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We like peace, but we cannot forget that, one fine day, Paraguay decided to invade Brazil. It invaded Corumbá and, at the same time, invaded Uruguay and at the same time Argentina. And that war, which didn't seem like it would be a big deal, lasted five years.

Lula, speaking during a visit to Avibras Aeroco near São Paulo, stated that the conflict, which lasted five years, consumed the equivalent of five national budgets. He also emphasized the need for Brazil to seriously invest in its defense industry to protect its vast territory and coastline.

Despite calls for a response, the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry, led by Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, has not issued a statement. This inaction contrasts with the government's self-proclaimed "solid and principled" diplomacy, as highlighted by President Santiago Peña in a recent management report. Notably, the government previously summoned the French ambassador over remarks about Peña's travel habits.

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I still don't have the exact figure, but that war must have consumed the equivalent of five budgets of the country at that time. Because when there is a conflict, no one stops to ask if there is money or not.

The silence from the Foreign Ministry has led to questions about whether the Paraguayan ambassador in Brazil has been recalled for consultations, a measure typically taken in response to diplomatic slights. The situation has fueled debate among Paraguayan officials and the public regarding the government's handling of foreign relations and historical interpretations.

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we must seriously "take care" of the national defense industry so that the Army, the Navy and the Air Force can guard Brazil's 8.5 million square kilometers and more than 8,000 kilometers of coast.