Paraguayan historian refutes Lula's claims on Triple Alliance War

Paraguayan historian Noelia Quintana has strongly refuted claims made by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding the War of the Triple Alliance. Lula's comments, made during a factory visit in São Paulo, suggested Paraguay initiated the conflict by invading Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, thereby justifying Brazil's need for a well-prepared military.

Quintana expressed her indignation at the Brazilian president's narrative, which she believes omits critical historical context. She presented six points to counter Lula's version of events. Firstly, she highlighted Brazil's intervention in Uruguay, describing it as "gunboat diplomacy" involving significant land and naval forces, led by figures like General Manuel Luís Osório and Admiral Joaquim Marques Lisboa.

Furthermore, Quintana stated that the Paraguayan government attempted to mediate between Brazil and Uruguay, but this proposal was rejected by the Brazilian Empire. She also criticized Brazil's military actions within Uruguay, citing the invasion of "totally defenseless cities" like Cerro Largo and Villa de Melo. Paraguay had previously warned of potential armed reactions if the regional power balance was disrupted, a warning she claims Brazil disregarded.

Lula's assertion that the conflict, spanning 1864 to 1870, lasted five years and was initiated by Paraguay's invasion, has ignited a strong reaction in Paraguay. Quintana's detailed response aims to provide a more comprehensive historical perspective, emphasizing the events preceding the war and Brazil's role in escalating regional tensions.