Senate Vetoes Ambassador Nominated to Represent Brazil at OAS in Historic Vote

05/20/2015 - 09h34

In a clear message to President Rousseff, the Senate rejected on Tuesday (19) the nomination of ambassador Guilherme Patriota to represent Brazil at the Organization of American States (OAS).

It is the first time in history that the Senate has rejected a career diplomat nominated by the government, according to information from the head of the Senate and Congressional Committee of External Relations.

Brother of Antônio Patriota, who was foreign minister during part of Rousseff's first term, Patriota's appointment was vetoed by just one vote (37 votes in favor to 38 against). The vote occurred shortly before the approval of the appointment of lawyer Luiz Fachin to the Supreme Court.

Patriota has worked at the OAS, the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) and at Brazilian embassies abroad.

President Rousseff will now have to find a new candidate for the position. They will be subject to an assessment, and will have to be approved by the commission and a plenary session in Congress. Until that happens, Brazil's seat at the OAS will remain vacant.

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

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	Earth Negotiations Bulletin/Divulgação
	The Senate rejected the nomination of ambassador Guilherme Patriota to represent Brazil at the Organization of American States