The Brazilian President warns against ‘false myths’ used to justify war.
On Monday, Brazilian President Lula da Silva cast doubt on claims that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, saying a similar allegation proved false in the case of Iraq.
“In 2016, the old story resurfaced that Iran is preparing an atomic bomb. I don’t give it any credence. Just as I didn’t give credence when they alleged, regarding Iraq, that Saddam Hussein had nuclear weapons,” he said during a news conference in Hanover with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“From time to time, people create false myths to justify positions that are unrecognizable and irresponsible. The world did not need that. The world needs more dialogue, more conversation, more multilateralism,” the Brazilian leader stressed.
Lula said it is unjustifiable that globally US$2.7 trillion was spent last year on weapons and conflicts while millions of people are dying of hunger, fleeing conflicts or lacking drinking water and schools.
The Brazilian leader argued in favor of reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which cannot be monopolized by five permanent members with voting rights — the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom — which “are not concerned about peace.”
“We need more countries to participate. Why doesn’t Germany participate? Why doesn’t Brazil participate? Why doesn’t India participate? Why doesn’t Japan participate? Why doesn’t a country like Nigeria, with 240 million people, participate?” Lula asked.
He argued that either “we fight to change the UN Charter, change the UN statute and guarantee renewal,” or “we will continue aboard this drifting ship, with no one at the helm,” in a world where “wars are dictated by the unilateral decisions of those who have weapons.”
German chancellor Merz lamented that oil prices have surged again over the weekend as a result of the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He called on the U.S. to “seek paths toward a negotiated solution, a diplomatic solution,” as peace talks are expected to resume in Islamabad.
“All of this is now putting the entire world’s economic development at risk and could lead to further political destabilization beyond the Middle East,” he added.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
