In Caracas' Bolivar Square, EFE found that a large number of citizens attended the Militia enlistment. Photo: EFE.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino highlighted the “total excitement of the people in the streets” during the second day of enlistment of the Bolivarian National Militia, which took place this Sunday, August 24, throughout Venezuela.
From the state of Miranda, where he personally supervised the process of incorporation into the fifth component of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB), Padrino noted that the willingness shown by citizens to enlist has demonstrated “the level of awareness that the Venezuelan people have reached” and that “the homeland is at the center of popular sentiment.”
“There is a total excitement among the people in the streets,” said General Padrino. ” This is a matter of integrity, of the homeland. The commander in chief has placed the homeland at the center, beyond ideologies, political party differences, [and] everything that differentiates us as human beings. The homeland comes first.”
The second phase of this national mobilization is taking place under the slogan “I’m enlisting,” recruiting militia members, reservists, and citizens at the 15,751 locations set up in military barracks, public squares, and popular comprehensive defense bases throughout the country, following the presidential call last Thursday.
This event responds to the presidential call initiated after the deployment of US naval and air forces in the Caribbean Sea, an action justified by Washington as part of anti-drug operations but interpreted by Venezuela as a threat to its territorial sovereignty.
“Tomorrow, Sunday, we will continue, as announced, in the Bolívar squares, the main squares of every municipality in the country. I am enlisting because I love my country; along with your family, along with your community, enlist and join the ranks,” President Maduro previously declared.
Massive response on historic first day
The opening day on Saturday, August 23, saw an extraordinary turnout of men, women, youth, and senior citizens, who came with their families to join the national defense system built during the years of the Bolivarian Revolution.
President Maduro described this first phase as a day of “nationality, patriotism and love for Venezuela,” highlighting the commitment demonstrated by Venezuelans who responded to the call to defend their homeland against any foreign threat.
“So, don’t stay home; attend and enlist for the love of our country,” the head of state emphasized through social media, recalling the words of Alí Primera and Commander Hugo Chávez: “When the trumpet of the homeland calls, even the cry of a mother falls silent.”
During the first day, opinions and contributions were collected from all registered citizens, who expressed their commitment to national defense. “There are so many beautiful things that the people say in defense of the history of our homeland, of the rights of our country,” Maduro said.
Venezuelan opposition rejects US interference
At the same time, various Venezuelan opposition figures expressed their rejection of US intervention in the country’s internal affairs, stressing that no foreign nation should make decisions that are the sole responsibility of the Venezuelan people.
In a statement read by the governor of Cojedes state, José Alberto Galíndez, along with mayors, legislators, deputies, councilors, and political and community leaders, they stated that policies “that produce repression or seek sanctions, or foreign intervention do not provide lasting solutions for the well-being of our people.”
President Maduro Hails Militia Enlistment Success as Venezuelans Join Massively Amid US Aggression
President Maduro remarked on the importance of overcoming internal political differences in the face of external threats: “Let us not depend on anyone but ourselves,” the president emphasized, calling for national unity in defense of sovereignty during a solemn ceremony at the National Assembly on Friday night.
International intellectuals and artists also spoke out against US aggression. The Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity (REDH) denounced the US government’s illegal actions against Venezuela, including the offer of a bounty against President Maduro.
The REDH demanded that organizations such as CELAC protect Maduro’s life, respect Venezuelan sovereignty and self-determination, and promote global rejection of these violations of international law.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/JB
