Venezuela's defense minister: National sovereignty is 'non-negotiable'

Venezuela's sovereignty is "non-negotiable" and "inflexible," declared Minister of Defense Gustavo González López, reinforcing the armed forces' commitment to national independence and protection. Speaking at an official ceremony, González López presided over the decoration of more than 240 officers who have completed 30 years of active service within the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB).

During his address, the minister highlighted these long-serving uniformed personnel as the guardians of military doctrine and the enduring legacy of former President Hugo Chávez. He stressed that the core principles of independence, the "Bolivarian military thought," and the commitment to sovereignty and the protection of the homeland and its people remain steadfast and unchanging.

González López assumed the defense portfolio in March, appointed by interim President Delcy Rodríguez. His predecessor, Vladimir Padrino López, had held the position since October 2014. This change in leadership occurred as part of a broader restructuring of the FANB initiated by Rodríguez.

The recent military reshuffle coincided with Rodríguez's assumption of power and a subsequent period of engagement with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. This engagement has included bilateral cooperation on internal security matters, such as operations against criminal organizations like the Tren de Aragua, and discussions in the hydrocarbon sector. The stated objective of the new military high command is to ensure Venezuela's sovereignty, peace, stability, and territorial integrity.

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What is not negotiable, what is inflexible, what does not change are our roots of independence, our Bolivarian military thought, and our ideas of sovereignty and protection of the homeland and the people.