Brazil recognizes Venezuelan VP as head of state

BRASILIA -- Brazil's interim Foreign Minister Maria Laura da Rocha on Saturday said Brazil recognizes Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the head of state in the absence of President Nicolas Maduro.

She added Brazil will continue to support international law, and all countries in safeguarding their sovereignty, and oppose any form of territorial aggression.

On the same day, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterated his previous position and condemned the US attack on Venezuela as well as the capture of Maduro and his wife.

Defense Minister Jose Mucio said the situation in Roraima state, which borders Venezuela, remains stable.

He added that Brazil has deployed 10,000 military personnel in the Amazon region, with 2,300 stationed in Roraima.