Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has vowed that his country will not tolerate foreign interference in its October 4 general election, while condemning Washington's decision to revoke the visa of Brazil's ambassador to the United States.
Speaking to the Brazilian digital media platform Meteoro Brasil on Wednesday, Lula described the US move against Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti as "irresponsible and reckless."
"We want to be treated with respect," Lula said.
"No one should think they can interfere from the outside to influence our elections. If they want to do that in another country, let them. Here in Brazil, they won't," he added.
Lula also announced that he would not receive any foreign ambassadors until after the election.
"Only after the election will I receive an ambassador from any country in the world," he said.
Lula also defended Brazil's electronic voting system, rejecting criticism of the country's voting machines.
"Instead of questioning our voting machines, they should copy our system. They should ask us to bring the machines so they can hold an electronic election, so they can see we are at the forefront of electoral modernity," he said.
The remarks came after the United States revoked Viotti's visa, citing reciprocity after Brazil denied visas last month to two US diplomats and postponed consideration of US President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to Brazil until after the October election.
Washington has denied allegations that the diplomats sought to interfere in Brazil's elections, saying their planned visit was intended to discuss election integrity, religious freedom and freedom of expression.
