WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Thursday after Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff was suspended from office and formal impeachment proceedings against her begin:
“Today marks a difficult moment for all Brazilians, regardless of their political ideology. Yet, I am confident that in the coming months, the strength of the country’s institutions and its respect for the rule of law will allow for Brazil – and its people – to continue pursuing a peaceful and democratic path through the current challenges.
“Based on our shared values, the U.S.-Brazil partnership remains strong and will continue to represent both the promise and challenge of building more resilient, more transparent democracies.
“The U.S. Senate will continue to work with our colleagues in the Brazilian Congress and the country’s leadership. And, as is the case in other countries throughout the world, we will maintain our support for the Brazilian people as they increase their calls for transparency and accountability from all of their political leaders.”
###