BRASILIA, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Friday that he will approve the appointment of the new U.S. ambassador-designate to Brazil only after the October presidential election.
In an interview with local media, Lula questioned the U.S. announcement of Daniel Perez as its future ambassador before receiving Brazil's formal approval.
"They want me to accept their ambassador in a hurry. But now, only after the elections," Lula said.
The remarks came amid growing friction between Brasilia and Washington, marked by accusations from the Brazilian government of attempted interference in domestic affairs and Lula's criticism of what he sees as support from some U.S. officials for his main rival, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, in October's election.
Despite the tensions, Lula reiterated that Brazil remains interested in maintaining a constructive relationship with the United States and said he is not seeking bilateral confrontation.
Last month, Brazil denied visas to two U.S. State Department officials, saying their planned visit could undermine the integrity of the electoral process. ■
