Social movements from all over the country gathered yesterday in front of the National Pantheon, in Caracas, to begin a “permanent mobilization”, in order to demand that the United States release President Nicolás Maduro and the first lady, Cilia Flores, kidnapped on January 3.
The secretary of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (Psuv) for Social Movements, Popular Power and Great Patriotic Pole, Héctor Rodríguez, reiterated the illegality of Washington’s action and asserted that the people of Venezuela “are prepared to fight and win this battle” with “sufficient moral and collective strength.”
“We have come here to take an oath for the dignity of the Homeland. In recent days, the country has been in mobilization, with marches, as a popular response to one of the most disastrous attacks that the Venezuelan family has suffered,” he said in reference to the US attack.
He explained that the social movements have organized a 60-day agenda, a period scheduled before the next hearing of President Maduro and Cilia Flores before a US court.
“It is a great battle that we have to fight. It is not going to be an easy battle, but I swear to you, in front of Bolívar, that sooner rather than later, here, in this space, Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores will be there.”
“I ask you not to rest, but to continue holding high the flags of peace, dignity and raising collective consciousness to achieve unity, reconciliation and reconnection of Venezuelans.”
The national leader added that this initiative “will require a lot of work from everyone,” as well as “a lot of unity” and “a lot of trust in the country’s political leadership.”
He called to provide “maximum support” to “comrade Delcy Rodríguez”, who “has had to assume the responsibility of the presidency in charge” while the rescue of President Maduro is achieved.
“I ask for maximum unity of all, maximum organization and maximum mobilization. Today is January 17, in 60 days is the next court hearing of President Nicolás Maduro and his colleague Cilia Flores; let’s make a political route, an agenda of social movements, of groups, of the entire country (…) We have to manage the anger and sadness and rise to the height of the historical circumstances as good sons and daughters of Bolívar.”
“The torch of our history and peace will always illuminate our actions,” reads part of the oath.
The event was accompanied by the Minister for Labor, Eduardo Piñate, and the head of the University Education office, Ricardo Sánchez.
