Paraguayan Senator Demands Clarification from Brazil Over War of Triple Alliance Remarks

Paraguayan Senator Lilian Samaniego has expressed "deep regret" over statements made by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who attributed the start of the War of the Triple Alliance to Paraguay. Samaniego, a member of the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, called the remarks an "affront" to Paraguayan history and identity, demanding an official response from the Paraguayan government.

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As a minimum, our country's embassy accredited to Brazil should go and request the corresponding clarifications about what President Lula expressed.

"As a minimum, our country's embassy accredited to Brazil should go and request the corresponding clarifications about what President Lula expressed," Samaniego stated, emphasizing that institutional response is necessary. She urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene in what she described as a "distortion of history." Samaniego believes Lula must clarify his expressions, which she feels harm Paraguay's historical memory. "What is appropriate is that he clarify what Lula meant by this. It is truly an affront to our nation and our country," she said.

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What is appropriate is that he clarify what Lula meant by this. It is truly an affront to our nation and our country.

Samaniego recalled the War of the Triple Alliance as one of Paraguay's most painful historical episodes, defending the courage of those who fought for the nation's identity and survival. "The war was a genocide for us. Our heroes defended the homeland with such courage to maintain our identity and our nation," she affirmed, referencing the resistance of children at Acosta Ñu and the sacrifices made by men, women, and children. She questioned Lula's interpretation, stating, "History is one, even if the winner tells it."

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The war was a genocide for us. Our heroes defended the homeland with such courage to maintain our identity and our nation.

Furthermore, Samaniego linked Lula's comments to arguments for strengthening Brazil's military, suggesting it is inappropriate to use Paraguay to justify defense investments. "Justifying a military budget by trying to blame," she began, indicating a concern that historical narratives are being manipulated for political or military ends.

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History is one, even if the winner tells it.