Hollande mentions Brazil when discussing conflicts in Latin America.

247 - French President François Hollande cited Brazil on Tuesday (31) among the countries with tensions and conflicts in Latin America. Colombia and Venezuela were also mentioned. The reference to the Brazilian situation was made in Paris, shortly after mentioning the political crisis in Venezuela, which could result in the fall of President Nicolas Maduro. The French head of state said that he "trusts in Brazilian institutions" to "overcome the difficulties" in the country.

The statement was made at a reception offered to ministers and ambassadors from Latin America, to which Foreign Minister José Serra was one of the guests. In a 22-minute speech, Hollande listed the bonds of friendship between France and the continent and stressed that his government will do everything possible to "appease tensions and conflicts." "We are together to play, as far as possible, our role in appeasing a number of tensions and conflicts in Latin America," the French president stated.

Next, Hollande listed the situation in three countries. "We support the peace negotiations in Colombia. An agreement is now close, and it should end a conflict that has lasted more than 50 years," he stated. Then, he mentioned the crisis involving Maduro's administration – without mentioning the Venezuelan president's name. "The situations remain very worrying, especially in Venezuela. In the name of the bonds of friendship that unite our two countries, France encourages political actors to find a way out of the crisis through dialogue," he urged.

At this point, Hollande referred to the Brazilian situation: "Similarly, Brazil... France trusts in Brazilian institutions and people to overcome the difficulties while respecting the law."