ALBAWABA - Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores on Saturday, announcing a nationwide mobilization. She stated that all state institutions were on high alert, citing an external attack on Venezuela.
In a televised address following a National Defense Council meeting, Rodríguez detailed the participants: senior government and security officials, including the defense minister, high-ranking military leaders, and the foreign and interior ministers. She emphasized that political, military, and security bodies were functioning at peak readiness throughout the nation.
Rodríguez also noted that Venezuelans had already responded to a previous call for mobilization, with grassroots organizations taking to the streets and the armed forces and security agencies deployed nationwide.
She presented the actions as necessary to protect the nation's sovereignty and independence.
Allegations of International Law Breaches
The vice president characterized the events as a significant violation of the United Nations Charter, pointing to breaches of its fundamental tenets. She labeled the situation as an act of foreign aggression, which had sparked international alarm.
She also noted that numerous countries, including China and Russia, along with nations across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia, had voiced their support for Venezuela.
Appeal for Solidarity and Composure
Drawing on the legacy of independence leader Simón Bolívar, Rodríguez declared that Venezuela would not yield to foreign control, calling for unity among the military, police, and the populace.
She urged citizens to stay composed and united in the face of threats to the nation's sovereignty.
Rodríguez stated that the government is still willing to engage in dialogue and maintain relationships built on mutual respect and adherence to international law. However, she condemned the reported detention of Maduro and his wife as a "illegal kidnapping," executed during military operations.
Emergency Measures and Sanctions
She declared that the National Defense Council would continue to meet regularly, anticipating judicial approval for an emergency decree signed by Maduro. This decree would empower the government to enact further measures within constitutional guidelines.
Rodríguez also took aim at international sanctions imposed on Venezuela, arguing they infringe upon human rights and constitute crimes against humanity. She emphasized the country's resilience in the face of economic hardship and reiterated Venezuela's dedication to preserving peace, independence, and its political future through national unity, not violence.
