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Venezuelans Commemorate Fall of Dictatorship with March, Global Anti-imperialist Encounter

By Paul Dobson

More than 400 international delegates took part in the summit.

Merida, January 27, 2020 (venezeuelanalysis.com) – Chavistas took to the streets of Caracas on Thursday to commemorate 62 years since the fall of dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez.

Public sector workers, trade unions, civilian militia members, leftist political parties, as well as feminist and other grassroots movements were amongst those who marched from five different points of the capital. The separate marches culminated in a large concentration around Miraflores Presidential Palace.

Addressing the march from the “People’s Balcony,” President Nicolas Maduro stressed the need for peace, parliamentary elections, and civil-military unity in 2020, as well as an end of impunity in the case of Juan Guaido and other leaders of the US-backed opposition. Guaido had declared himself “interim president” one year before and is currently under criminal investigation for fraud, embezzlement and treason.

The march coincided with the First International Encounter against Imperialism, for Peace, Sovereignty, and Life which welcomed 400 international representatives from over 70 countries.

According to Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, around 1000 international delegates were not able to attend the event after experiencing travel difficulties allegedly caused by the US blockade against Venezuela.

The government-organised gathering looked to strengthen global anti-imperialist cooperation and solidarity. It brought together solidarity activists, leftist political parties, a range of grassroots movements, and multilateral organisations.

During the four-day summit, delegates discussed anti-imperial and anti-colonial struggles in Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Colombia, as well as a diversity of other topics including NATO, indigenous exploitation, feminist struggles, climate change, sanctions regimes, monopoly financial domination, and the recent coup d’état in Bolivia.

The final document also highlighted the military character of imperialism, stating that US forces have “converted the world into a great theatre of military operations” through the expansion of foreign military bases. It called on those participating to strengthen the struggle for peace across the globe.

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    Chavistas join over 400 international representatives at the “People’s Balcony” of the Presidential Palace to commemorate the end of the military dictatorship in 1958. (La Iguana TV)
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    The large march included a number of leftist political parties, including the ruling Socialist Unified Party (PSUV), as well as grassroots movements and workers’ organisations. (Alba Ciudad)
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    The Bolivarian Militia was also present at the march, showing its support for the civil-military union. (@MiliciaBV1 / Twitter)
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    Marchers carried a range of placards calling for respect and peace. (PL / Cadena Gramonte)
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    There was also a strong presence of organised motorcycle cooperatives. (La Patilla)
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    Meanwhile, at the First International Encounter against Imperialism, National Constituent Assembly President Diosdado Cabello addressed the opening ceremony of the event on Wednesday. (AVN)
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    President Nicolas Maduro led the close of the encounter in the Los Caobos Park in central Caracas. (@NicolasMaduro / Twitter)
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    More than 400 international delegates from over 70 countries joined around 2000 Venezuelan delegates at the event, with a particularly strong presence from Latin American anti-imperialist grassroots movements and parties. (@NicolasMaduro / Twitter)
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    There was also a strong indigenous presence from a range of Latin American countries, including Bolivia, where indigenous sectors have led the counter-coup efforts. (@MINPIOFICIAL / Twitter)
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    Over 12 work groups were held covering a variety of themes ranging from NATO to climate change. (La Epoca)
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    A delegation from the World Peace Council played an important role in the encounter, led by its executive secretary, Iraklis Tsavdaridis (right). (Paul Dobson / Venezuelanalysis)
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    There was also a strong Caribbean and Afro-American contingent at the forum, as well as significant representation from the Middle East. (Paul Dobson / Venezuelanalysis)
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    International delegates sport headbands which say “Yankee Go Home.” (Paul Dobson / Venezuelanalysis)
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    A selection of international delegates were addressed by Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza in the ministry’s Yellow House building. (Paul Dobson / Venezelanalysis)
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    Colombian indigenous delegate Issamar Cotez speaks to the global gathering against imperialism (@MINPIOFICIAL / Twitter)
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    Ecuadorian delegates addressed the Afro-Descendent work group, explaining about the plight of their communities. (Jeanette Charles / Venezuelanalysis)
Tags: International SolidarityJuan GuaidoMarcos Perez JimenezNicolas Maduro
Topics: International Bolivarian Project Social Movements
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