Padrino López: The people and their FANB stand firm in defense of Bolívar's legacy

The Venezuelan people and their Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) stand firm, in perfect civic-military union, to defend the legacy of the Father of the Fatherland, Simon Bolivar, said Defense Minister, G/J Vladimir Padrino López.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the 193 anniversary of Simon Bolivar's departure to immortality, the senior military officer reiterated the popular, anti-imperialist and anti-oligarchic character that our FANB possesses.

Below is the full statement:

193 years ago, the Architect of American Freedom, Simon Bolivar, crossed the narrow path of immortality. And although sadness and desolation overshadowed the Fifth Saint Peter of Alexandria in Santa Marta, the meridian thought of that man who dedicated his life to the libertarian cause transcended this plane, becoming, not only the fire that fanned the fight against slavery, despotism and ignominy of the time, but also the everlasting inspiration of present and future generations committed to the principles of freedom, equality, justice and peace.

Visionary and forerunner of Latin American Unity! ... Bolivar... Always Bolivar! Their legitimate rebellion and emancipatory vocation sealed the promising destiny of the Great Homeland. Not for nothing, the Venezuelan nation, the Bolivarian Revolution and our institution bear his name. Everything in this Republic bears the imprint of the most advanced of his ideology, the most genuine of his work, the most exemplary of his mettle as a citizen and irreducible status as a soldier. Hence, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces reaffirm every day its popular, anti-imperialist and anti-oligarchic character; as well as its commitment to continue defending the dreams of who will be forever, The Liberating Father.

Bolívar never left... It's a fierce cry, a sabre of hope, a spear wielded, an idea that is entrenched in the collective consciousness of an entire continent, and especially of its beloved Venezuelan people, who continue to face multiple imperial attacks, as has happened with the historic controversy over the rights of the Esequibo territory. Today, the Liberator's footprints continue to mark the course of the relentless battle to preserve our integrity, sovereignty, independence and peace. That is why, in perfect civic-military fusion, we remain steadfast in our determination to defend his unbreakable legacy, convinced that only united will we win! ... BOLIVAR LIVES!

Chavez lives! ... The Fatherland continues!

Independence and Socialist Homeland! ... We will live and we will overcome!

Independence or nothing! Always loyal! ... Never traitors!

The Venezuelan Sun rises in the Essequibo!

Caracas, December 17, 2023

VLADIMIR PADRINO LOPEZ

General in Chief