The government of Paraguay formalized its position regarding statements by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva concerning the War of the Triple Alliance by delivering a diplomatic note to the Brazilian Embassy in Asunción. The document, signed by Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, expresses Paraguay's official "displeasure" and rejection of the statements, which were considered a distortion of the historical facts of the 1864-1870 conflict.
Vice President Pedro Alliana and Foreign Minister Ramírez Lezcano led the announcement during a press conference. Alliana stated that Paraguay's position had already been communicated "at the highest level" to the Brazilian government and that the National Congress had also approved resolutions of condemnation in both legislative houses. He emphasized that historical distortion "does not contribute to consolidating the common future of our peoples" and instead "revives old afflictions that affect the dignity of its inhabitants".
As a concrete gesture to overcome the wounds of the past, the diplomatic note reiterates a long-standing state claim: the return of war trophies and access to historical documents that remain in Brazil. The request specifically includes the restitution of the Cristiano Cannon, cast from the bells of Paraguayan churches during the war, and the Presidente López Cannon (also known as the Mariscal López Cannon). Alliana explained that these items are cataloged as Brazilian heritage, therefore their eventual return would depend on a decision by the neighboring country's Parliament.
Despite the formal protest, Paraguayan authorities sought to reduce tension. Alliana revealed that during a meeting, Brazilian Ambassador José Antonio Marcondes de Carvalho conveyed that Lula's statements were "taken out of context" and that "it was never President Lula's intention to actually offend or insult Paraguay".
In turn, Foreign Minister Ramírez Lezcano countered versions circulated by some Brazilian media outlets that doubted the occurrence of a telephone conversation between Presidents Santiago Peña and Lula. The minister categorically stated that the communication took place, confirmation that would have been made by both President Peña and the Brazilian ambassador himself.
The controversy began after Lula's statements about the war, which generated strong reactions in Paraguay and prompted statements from Congress. With the ambassador's explanation, both governments are attempting to calm tensions, but Paraguay makes clear that it will maintain its defense of the national historical interpretation and continue to press for the return of trophies and documents.