The United States has suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates across Brazil, citing unspecified security concerns just two days before Brazilians vote in a presidential election.
The State Department made the announcement in a statement on Thursday. "Consular Services in the US Embassy and Consulates in Brazil will be suspended starting Friday, October 2 due to security concerns," it said, adding that US citizens seeking emergency assistance during this period should not come to the embassy, the consulates, or other US diplomatic facilities. No information was provided on when the services would resume.
The department did not elaborate on the nature of the security concerns, nor did it draw any link between the suspension and the election itself, according to Reuters.
Election backdrop
Brazilians will vote for president on Sunday in a contest that will decide whether Latin America's largest country follows the conservative shift that has swept much of the region or charts its own course. The announcement comes at a tense moment in the relationship between Washington and Brasilia.
Leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has warned of foreign interference in the election, pointing to fresh tariff measures from Washington among other pressures. Violent crime has also dominated voter concerns in election polling, prompting candidates across the spectrum to pledge tougher security measures.
The suspension is an unusual step for American diplomatic missions in Brazil, a country where the United States maintains a large consular presence serving both American citizens and Brazilian visa applicants. Diplomats and businesses will be watching closely for any further updates ahead of Sunday's vote.
Sources: US suspends consular services before Brazil vote, citing security
The State Department made the announcement in a statement on Thursday. "Consular Services in the US Embassy and Consulates in Brazil will be suspended starting Friday, October 2 due to security concerns," it said, adding that US citizens seeking emergency assistance during this period should not come to the embassy, the consulates, or other US diplomatic facilities. No information was provided on when the services would resume.
The department did not elaborate on the nature of the security concerns, nor did it draw any link between the suspension and the election itself, according to Reuters.
Election backdrop
Brazilians will vote for president on Sunday in a contest that will decide whether Latin America's largest country follows the conservative shift that has swept much of the region or charts its own course. The announcement comes at a tense moment in the relationship between Washington and Brasilia.
Leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has warned of foreign interference in the election, pointing to fresh tariff measures from Washington among other pressures. Violent crime has also dominated voter concerns in election polling, prompting candidates across the spectrum to pledge tougher security measures.
The suspension is an unusual step for American diplomatic missions in Brazil, a country where the United States maintains a large consular presence serving both American citizens and Brazilian visa applicants. Diplomats and businesses will be watching closely for any further updates ahead of Sunday's vote.
Sources: US suspends consular services before Brazil vote, citing security
