The following statement was issued on Jan. 4 by the military high command of the Venezuelan Armed Forces (FANB), in the form of a brief video message read on national television by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. He spoke in the presence of some 20 top military commanders. (This is a machine translation.)
“The FANB demands the immediate release of the constitutional president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have been kidnapped. We ask the world to see everything that is happening against Venezuela and its sovereignty. We appreciate the prompt response of most countries around the world in rejecting these actions.
“We reject the colonialist vision that the Monroe Doctrine seeks to impose on the region. The FANB has been an institution that has guaranteed the democratic continuity of the country and will continue to do so. What would have happened if the FANB had allowed fascism to impose itself through coups?
“I call on the people of Venezuela to remain peaceful and orderly, and not to give in to the threats, fear, and psychological pressure that they want to impose on us. I call on the people to resume their daily activities, work, and education.
