On July 5th, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commemorated the 214th anniversary of its independence, with a heartfelt message delivered by Isabel Di Carlo Quero, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Venezuelan Embassy in Seoul.
In her speech, Ms. Quero expressed gratitude to those present for joining the occasion and emphasized that such commemoration reflects the genuine friendship Venezuela values with all nations. She highlighted that July 5th is more than a historical date; it is a day that unites Venezuelans in national pride and shared commitment to sovereignty and independence.
She underscored that Venezuela’s independence was not a gift but a hard-fought victory achieved through the relentless struggle of its people and guided by heroes like Simón Bolívar. The fight began with the 1810 Declaration of Independence, culminating in the 1811 signing of the formal declaration and the decisive Battle of Carabobo in 1821, which ended three centuries of Spanish rule. The Venezuelan independence movement also played a crucial role in liberating neighboring countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, emphasizing the regional scope of their struggle.
Ms. Quero also reflected on Bolívar’s vision of regional unity and the importance of balancing global powers to secure peace. She condemned ongoing international conflicts and advocated for Venezuela’s consistent stance in favor of peace and justice, including support for a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue based on UN resolutions. She stressed that July 5th is a patriotic duty to defend the nation's territorial integrity, referencing the constitutional principle of “uti possidetis juris,” especially regarding the territorial dispute with Guyana over the Essequibo region. Venezuela’s legal stance, supported by international recognition, remains firm, favoring bilateral negotiations under the Geneva Agreement.
She also addressed Venezuela’s energy sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of managing oil resources to preserve national independence. Historical attempts to undermine sovereignty, such as coups and regional separatism, have been countered through constitutional reforms, notably under President Hugo Chávez, who promoted the Bolivarian doctrine and opposed coercive unilateral sanctions. Ms. Quero acknowledged the recent UN resolution supporting Venezuela’s opposition to such measures, emphasizing their violation of international law.
Concluding her speech, Ms. Quero conveyed her wishes for a Happy Independence Day to all Venezuelans present and urged the community to foster national unity and uphold Venezuelan identity abroad. Quoting author Augusto Mijares, she called for a collective awakening that transcends excuses and hopelessness, aiming instead for a renewed sense of purpose and pride.
This event served as a powerful reminder of Venezuela’s resilient spirit and its ongoing quest for sovereignty, regional unity, and national prosperity.
