02 July 2010
Venezuelan Embassy pays tribute to Simon Bolivar on the 200th anniversary of independence

The Venezuelan Ambassador, Samuel Moncada, laid a floral wreath at the foot of the statue of Simon Bolivar in Belgravia Square in London to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first cry for independence (19 April 1810) and the 199th anniversary of the declaration of independence (5 July 1811).

The Ambassador was accompanied by the Venezuelan military attaché, Vice-admiral Alberto Jose Monagas and a member of the Queen’s Guard who played a solemn trumpet salute in honour of the occasion.  Ambassador Moncada thanked all those present and underlined that the occasion is a celebration not just of Venezuelan independence but of the independence of the whole of Latin America. 

The commemorative event was also attended by a number of Latin American Ambassadors and diplomats who expressed their support for the occasion.  The Cuban Ambassador, René Juan Mujica Cantelar, spoke of the importance of Latin American states to have their own identity and of the advances that have been made in recognising the rights of indigenous people.  The Paraguayan Ambassador, Miguel Solano Lopez, underlined the importance of Latin American unity and expressed his hope for further integration in the future.

Press Unit of the Venezuelan Embassy in London