US suspends consular services before Brazil vote, citing security; Australia closes embassy
EWZ•The US suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil on Friday over unspecified security concerns before Sunday's presidential election. Australia also closed its embassy in Brasilia on Friday after the US alert.
1. Diplomatic services suspended
The United States suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil on Friday over unspecified security concerns. The State Department did not link the concerns to Sunday's presidential election or say when services would resume; it said US citizens seeking emergency assistance should not go to US diplomatic facilities.
2. Australia also closes embassy
Australia's ambassador to Brazil, Sophie Davies, said the Australian embassy in Brasilia would close Friday because of security concerns, citing the US alert. Davies also advised people to avoid US diplomatic facilities and surrounding areas in Brazil.
3. Election security concerns
Brazil's foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The article says violent crime has been a leading concern for voters, while President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has warned of foreign interference in the election.
