Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino LĂłpez giving statements to the press. Photo: Presidential Press/File photo.
Venezuelan Minister for Defense Vladimir Padrino LĂłpez said that the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) is prepared for all scenarios, responding to the dangerous statements made by the president of Guyana. Padrino LĂłpez added that the Venezuelan people will demonstrate their commitment to the country in the consultative referendum over the Essequibo dispute, scheduled for December 3.
Padrino LĂłpez made these statements in a video about the Essequibo territory and dispute that was posted to his social media accounts this Tuesday, October 31.
“We prepare for all scenarios. However, we hope that peace and reason prevail,” he stated in the video, after highlighting the dangerous nature of the Guyanese president’s statements.
“We see with concern how the arrogant and warmongering rhetoric of the president of Guyana is increasing, without a doubt following the script dictated by the US Southern Command, even daring to talk about issues that are of strict concern to all Venezuelans, such as the popular referendum enshrined in our Constitution,” said Minister Padrino López.
Buenas tardes Venezuela ¡El Sol de Venezuela nace en el Esequibo! 🇻🇪 pic.twitter.com/aRSRipbGQg
— Vladimir Padrino L. (@vladimirpadrino) October 31, 2023
He added that the defense of Essequibo must not only have the support of international law but also the will of the Venezuelan people.
“On December 3, 2023, the people will be in the streets demonstrating their commitment to the country and saying: The sun of Venezuela rises on the Essequibo!” said Padrino López.
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SF
