US Revokes Visa of Brazil's Ambassador Amid Diplomatic Dispute

The United States revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, amid a diplomatic visa dispute and delayed ambassadorial appointment. The State Department said the move, under reciprocity, responded to Brazil's refusal last month to grant visas to two American diplomats and its hold on confirming President Donald Trump's nominee for Brasilia envoy. Officials told the Associated Press the decision was postponed several times to give Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva time to act, but was enforced after no step came.

They added it could be quickly reversed if Brazil takes appropriate measures and accepts Trump's nominee. Ambassador Viotti was not expelled from the U.S. Brazil's stance on delaying approval of nominee Danny Perez until after October 4 elections had sparked a crisis. Brazil also denied visas to Riley Barnes, an assistant at the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and a senior aide, following reports they might criticize Lula or the election process. The State Department rejected those claims, calling the diplomats' July 27-30 visit routine and dismissing sabotage allegations as baseless.