Government launches repatriation effort for Brazilians following Israel’s military offensive against Hezbollah

10/03/2024

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Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to send a team to bolster the Brazilian embassy in Lebanon. This move comes as the government organizes an operation to repatriate Brazilians wishing to leave the country in the wake of Israel’s air and ground offensive against Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite group.

According to the ministry, two diplomats and a Foreign Affairs staff member will be dispatched to Lebanon to assist the embassy in managing the logistics for evacuating Brazilian residents in the area.

The topic will be addressed in a meeting scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m., involving Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, Defense Minister José Múcio, and Air Force Commander Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno.

As of now, the Foreign Ministry denies that all arrangements are finalized for the Brazilian delegation to enter Lebanese territory and facilitate the departure of Brazilians who wish to leave.

As reported by Valor on Wednesday, Minister Múcio had to cut short his five-day vacation in the United States to return to Brazil to address two urgent issues: the repatriation of thousands of Brazilians in Lebanon amidst the escalating Middle Eastern conflict and technical issues with one of the presidential aircraft’s engines, currently under inspection in Mexico City.

The defense minister confirmed to Valor on Wednesday that he was en route back to Brazil and explained that he plans to meet with President Lula on Thursday to discuss these matters. His return ticket, according to his advisory team, was already booked prior to the technical fault with the presidential plane.

His vacation began on Monday (September 30) and was supposed to last through the weekend, but President Lula requested his immediate return to personally oversee the repatriation efforts.

*By Renan Truffi, Valor — Brasília

Source: Valor International