Senator Ovelar demands official government response to Lula's Triple Alliance remarks

Paraguayan Senator Silvio “Beto” Ovelar has strongly criticized statements made by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding the War of the Triple Alliance. Ovelar described Lula's remarks, which he interpreted as Paraguay invading Brazil during the conflict, as a "slip" and an "absurdity" that disrespects Paraguay and warrants a historical correction.

Ovelar expressed surprise that Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not yet issued an official pronouncement. He believes such a statement is necessary to "historically vindicate" Paraguay, asserting that Lula's interpretation of events does not align with the historical context of the war, which pitted Paraguay against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

"Evidently, President Lula had a slip and was mistaken in his appreciation of history. It surprises me that the Foreign Ministry has not made a statement, and in my view, it should," Ovelar declared. He suggested that Lula might be unaware of the war's historical background, including Brazil's intervention in Uruguay, which Ovelar claims prompted Paraguay's response in defense of Uruguay.

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Evidently, President Lula had a slip and was mistaken in his appreciation of history. It surprises me that the Foreign Ministry has not made a statement, and in my view, it should.

Dismissing concerns that a strong reaction might jeopardize ongoing negotiations regarding the Itaipú Treaty with Brazil, Ovelar stated that Lula's comments were likely made in the context of justifying increased investment in Brazil's armed forces. He contrasted the current situation with a previous instance where the Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding a conflict involving a Paraguayan senator and a French footballer, suggesting that situation garnered more public attention.

Despite his criticism of Lula's historical interpretation, Ovelar affirmed his admiration for the Brazilian president, citing positive policies like the Tekoporã program implemented in Paraguay with Brazilian support. However, he maintained that admiration does not preclude questioning Lula's "absurd" and historically inaccurate statements about the War of the Triple Alliance.

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Historically vindicate.