Paraguayan Senator Slams Foreign Ministry's 'Inexplicable' Silence on Lula's War Remarks

Paraguayan Senator Gustavo Leite has publicly condemned the national Foreign Ministry's "inexplicable" silence in response to controversial statements made by Brazilian President Lula da Silva concerning the War of the Triple Alliance (1865-1870).

Leite, who recently served as Paraguay's ambassador to the United States, voiced his strong disapproval on social media platform X. His remarks followed a meeting with Brazilian Senator Sergio Moro, the former judge who had previously convicted Lula da Silva in the Lava Jato case before the convictions were annulled by Brazil's Supreme Court. Moro expressed solidarity with Paraguay regarding Lula's statements, a sentiment Leite conveyed his gratitude for on behalf of his country.

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I met again with friend and colleague Senator Sergio Moro, once a brave Brazilian judge, at a lunch in Marechal Rondón, Paraná, Brazil. Another significant Brazilian politician, who expressed solidarity with our country regarding the misguided statements of President Lula. I thanked him on behalf of our country! Truly, very surprised by the total silence of our Foreign Ministry. Inexplicable!

The senator's criticism adds to a growing wave of condemnation from Paraguayan parliamentarians, historians, and civil society members. Lula da Silva's comments, which reportedly suggested Paraguay initiated the conflict by invading Brazil, have ignited historical debate and nationalistic sentiment in Paraguay. Leite, known for his critical stance towards the current administration of President Santiago Peña and his close ties to former President Horacio Cartes, highlighted his surprise at the government's passive reaction.

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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 seemed like it wouldn't...