Brazilian president stresses sovereignty, international cooperation in face of "threat" from U.S.

BRASILIA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday reaffirmed the importance of national sovereignty as a fundamental pillar of his country, stressing international cooperation and the strengthening of multilateralism amid rising tensions with the United States.

"Without sovereignty, Brazil would not exist," the president said in a post on social media, referring to his refusal to bow to increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who claims the current Brazilian government presents an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States.

In his post, Lula da Silva attached an image of the first article of the Brazilian Constitution, which enshrines sovereignty as one of the foundations of the state.

"It is sovereignty that brought us freedom and independence ... sovereignty is the authority a people has over their own destiny. It is a country's ability to decide its course, protect its resources, look after its territory, and defend its interests," he wrote.

"For us, sovereignty is the right to build a free, just and supportive society," he added.

The Brazilian leader did not mention the United States or Trump by name, but stressed the importance of "international cooperation" and said Brazil is committed to strengthening multilateralism.

The White House on Wednesday sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Magnitsky Act, which is used to punish foreigners it accuses of corruption or serious human rights violations.

Trump also signed an executive order implementing an additional 40 percent tariff on Brazilian goods on the same day, bringing the total tariff to 50 percent. ■