US SOUTHCOM Chief Admiral Alvin Holsey (right) talking with newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) during the latter's visit to the SOUTHCOM headquarters in Doral, Florida on February 7, 2025. Photo: X/@USAenEspanol
Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—Venezuelan authorities have vehemently condemned the unfounded and irresponsible remarks made by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) chief Alvin Holsey during his testimony before the US Senate.
The statement of condemnation was made by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil this Thursday, February 13, through an official communiqué published on his Telegram channel.
In the declaration, Venezuela asserts that these allegations lack any factual basis and perpetuate a deceptive narrative endorsed by the imperial administration of the US. The Venezuelan government further contends that Venezuelan far-right factions have exploited this narrative to misappropriate millions in US taxpayer dollars, defrauding US institutions under false pretenses.
Holsey’s statements reproduced Washington’s imperialist narrative against Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, both directly and indirectly, while also continuing charging against China, Russia, or Iran.
“Venezuela exemplifies the devastating effects and consequences of authoritarian rule. The authoritarian Nicolás Maduro and his regime are engaged in narcoterrorism, corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering, human rights abuses, and other nefarious activities, which have contributed to the destabilization of Venezuela. Ruthless repression and widespread inability to access life-sustaining necessities have resulted in an exodus of more than 7.7 million Venezuelan citizens. TCOs and gangs have taken advantage of this crisis to expand their operations, while Maduro’s representatives increasingly embraces drug trafficking and other illicit activity for personal enrichment while the Venezuelan people suffer. Under Maduro, Venezuela has become a major cocaine and arms trafficking hub, transforming the country into a destabilizing force in the Western Hemisphere,” reads the transcript of the statement published by SOUTHCOM, exemplifying the imperialist and anti-Chavista rhetoric that has been launched against Venezuela since the time of President Hugo Chávez.
“Maduro’s fraudulent election in July 2024 and the subsequent detentions, disappearances, and reprisals against the Venezuelan population have been met with international condemnation. Anti-democratic practices and authoritarian ideology unite this illegitimate regime with our Strategic Competitors and like-minded states across the globe. The backing of malign state actors may embolden Maduro to escalate propaganda and saber rattling related to his claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region. The United States, alongside our Allies and Partners in the region, remain vigilant. We maintain a united front in the face of these acts of unwarranted aggression and reject the oppressive and illegal tactics of the Maduro regime,” concludes the report, before moving on to target Cuba.
Venezuela Condemns US SOUTHCOM and Guyana’s Provocations on Essequibo
Below, you can read the full unofficial translation of the Venezuelan government’s statement of condemnation:
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela categorically repudiates the false and reckless statements made by the commander of the Southern Command, Alvin Holsey, during his recent appearance before the US Senate.
These claims are baseless and repeat the same misleading narrative, bought by the Biden administration, with which the Venezuelan far-right has defrauded them, using millions of dollars from contributions from US citizens.
Accusations of drug trafficking, corruption, and destabilization are nothing more than fake news and dirty war campaigns of the past, which have already proven to be unsuccessful. They seek to justify their own mistakes, as well as the complicity and corruption that has led them to the situation that extremists in Venezuela face today, while also trying to cover up the real illicit trafficking networks in the region, whose routes are widely known to the Southern Command.
Venezuela is tackling drug trafficking with a sovereign and responsible model, firmly combating a problem whose roots lie outside its borders. We reject the disqualifications of US military organizations, such as the Southern Command, which have a history of interventionism and colonialist attitudes.
The Bolivarian government reaffirms its commitment to peace, stability, and a multi-centered and pluricentric world. We urge the political sectors of the United States to abandon the rhetoric of confrontation and respect the self-determination of peoples.
Caracas, February 13, 2025.
Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff
OT/JRE/AU
