US, Brazil embroil in row over diplomatic visas

The United States revokes Brazil ambassador's visa in a retaliatory move after Brazil refused to issue diplomatic visas to two State Department officials and held off confirmation of US President Donald Trump's hand-picked ambassador nominee.

The move fuels diplomatic tension between the nations on the eve of Brazil's upcoming presidential election.

The Brazilian government condemns the American State Department's latest decision to alter the visa status of its ambassador to the US, Maria Luiza Viotti.  

In a Reuters report which cites a senior State Department official, the move come as retaliation for Brazil's refusal last month to issue visas to two US State Department officials and a delay in approving US President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to Brazil.

The source goes on to say if the Brazil rescinds these diplomatic decisions,its ambassador's American visa would be restored.

The Brazilian government in a statement calls the reasons cited by the US for its latest political manoeuvre "false."

It also stands by its decision to deny entry to the two US officials, citing their intent to question the integrity Brazil's electoral system as unacceptable meddling of internal affairs.

This comes as Brazil's Workers' Party officially nominated 80-year-old President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who faces increasing pressure from foreign leaders as he seeks reelection for a fourth presidential term this October.

Lula's rival, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, has enjoyed open support from members of Trump's administration, Argentina's President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a latest bid by the current Brazilian electoral authorities to ensure the integrity of the election processes, the country introduces new voting machines which officials say puts the process through multiple security checks and audits.

This comes as supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, father of Flavio, continue to raise unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud.