Brazil's Lula criticizes US visa curbs as arbitrary, defends judicial sovereignty

BRASILIA, July 19 (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized the U.S. on Saturday for imposing visa restrictions on Brazilian officials, calling the move "arbitrary" and "baseless," and saying the action violated fundamental principles of respect and sovereignty between nations.

"I am certain that no form of intimidation or threat, from anyone, will compromise the most important mission of Brazil's powers and institutions, which is to permanently defend and uphold the democratic rule of law," he said in a statement.