Lula condemns world division into zones of influence at Panama forum

The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, condemned this Wednesday in Panama City the division of the world into 'zones of influence,' which he considers a 'historical setback' disguised as 'neocolonialism.' Speaking at the opening of the International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, Lula emphasized the need for regional integration but stated it is only possible if countries have 'the capacity to coexist with political diversities.' The Brazilian leader indirectly criticized the strategy of the Trump administration. He also defended the 'neutrality' of the Panama Canal in the face of pressure from the United States. Meanwhile, after a turbulent start to their relationship due to the imposition of high tariffs based on political motivations, Lula now maintains a fluid dialogue with Trump, and they agreed to meet in Washington next March during a recent phone call. Lula recalled the 'Good Neighbor Policy' promoted by Franklin D. Roosevelt, which 'replaced military intervention with diplomacy' to engage with Latin America. He condemned the recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and bombings of boats allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the Pacific, which have left more than 100 dead. 'The use of force will never pave the way to overcome the plagues affecting our region,' the head of state affirmed. 'The only war we need to fight is against hunger and inequality, and the only weapons must be investments, technology transfer, and fair and balanced trade,' he reinforced.