Thousands of Venezuelans mobilized today in Caracas to defend national sovereignty, following a call from President Nicolás Maduro amid tensions with the United States. The march took place on the bicentennial of the presentation of the Sword of Peru to Liberator Simón Bolívar, a historic event for the region's independence in the 19th century. President Maduro joined the massive march, which went from Plaza Venezuela to the Fuerte Tiuna Military Complex in the capital, and accompanied his fellow citizens. During the event, the General Secretary of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Diosdado Cabello, warned that U.S. threats "have escalated" in recent weeks. In this regard, he stated that all campaigns against the South American nation have failed because the Venezuelan people speak the truth and are united. "Venezuela is a country of peace," he clarified, but emphasized that it will defend its sovereignty "with all necessary instruments." Meanwhile, the President of the National Assembly (Congress), Jorge Rodríguez, said that the true intention of the United States "is to try to seize our riches, the true intention is a regime change."
"That is why we are in the streets, with indignation, but with joy, with firmness, with vitality, with the strength that characterizes this people of Bolívar, this people of Hugo Chávez."
