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<h1 class="title">Letter to the People of the United States:
Venezuela is not a threat</h1>
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<p class="byline"> By <span class="author">Nicolas Maduro &
the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela</span>,
<span class="date">March 17th 2015</span> </p>
</div>
<p style="text-align: left;">We are the people of Simon Bolívar, our
people believe in peace and respect for all nations.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Freedom and Independence</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">More than two centuries ago, our
fathers founded a Republic on the basis that all persons are free
and equal under the law. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Our nation made the greatest sacrifices
to guarantee South American people their right to choose their
rulers and to enforce their own laws today. The historical legacy
of our father, Simón Bolívar, is always remembered. Bolívar was a
man who gave his life so we would inherit a nation of justice and
equality.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>We believe in Peace, National
Sovereignty and International Law </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We are a peaceful people. In two
centuries of independence, we have never attacked another nation.
Our people live in a region of peace, free of weapons of mass
destruction, and in freedom to practice all religions. We uphold
respect for international law and the sovereignty of all people of
the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> <strong>We are an Open Society</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We are a working people, we care for
our families, and we have freedom of religion. Immigrants from
around the world, live among us, whose diversity is respected. We
have freedom of press and we are enthusiastic users of social
media.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>We are friends of the American
people:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The histories of our people have been
connected since the beginning of our struggles for freedom.
Francisco de Miranda, a Venezuelan hero, fought with the American
people during their independence fight. We share the idea that
freedom and independence are fundamental elements for the
development of our nations. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The relations between our peoples have
always been peaceful and respectful. Historically, we have shared
business relations in strategic areas. Venezuela has always been a
responsible and trustful energy provider for the American people.
Since 2005, Venezuela has provided “heating oil” through subsidies
for low-income communities in the United States, thanks to our
company CITGO. This contribution has helped tens of thousands of
American citizens survive in harsh conditions, giving them relief,
and necessary support in times of need, evidencing how solidarity
can create powerful alliances across borders. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Incredibly, the U.S government
has declared our country a threat to its national security and
foreign policy</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In a disproportionate action, the
government of Obama has issued a “National Emergency” declaring
Venezuela as a threat to its national security (Executive Order,
03-09-2015). This unilateral and aggressive measure taken by the
United States Government against our country is not only unfounded
and in violation of basic principles of sovereignty and
self-determination under international law, but also has been
unanimously rejected by all 33 nations of the Community of Latin
American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the twelve member states
of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). In a statement
made on March 14, 2015, UNASUR reiterated its firm rejection of
these coercive measures that do not contribute to the peace,
stability and democracy in our region and called on President
Obama to revoke his Executive Order against Venezuela.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>We reject unilateralism and
interventionism</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">President Obama, without any authority
to interfere in our internal affairs, unilaterally issued a set of
sanctions against Venezuelan officials with potentially
far-reaching implications, interfering in our constitutional order
and our justice system.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>We advocate for a multipolar
world</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We believe that our world must be based
on the rules of international law, without interference in the
internal affairs of other countries. We are convinced that the
relationship of respect between all the nations is the only path
for strengthening peace and coexistence, as well as for ensuring a
more just world. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>We honor our freedoms and
uphold our rights </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Never before in the history of our
nations, has a president of the United States attempted to govern
Venezuelans by decree. It is a tyrannical and imperial order and
it pushes us back into the darkest days of the relationship
between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In the name of our long-term friendship
we alert our American brothers and sisters, lovers of justice and
freedom, of the illegal aggression committed by your government on
your behalf. We will not allow our friendship with the people of
the United States to be affected by this senseless and groundless
decision by President Obama.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We demand:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">1- The U.S. Government immediately
cease hostile actions against Venezuelan people and democracy.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2- President Obama abolish the
Executive Order that declares Venezuela a threat to U.S. national
security, as has been requested by the Union of South American
Nations (UNASUR).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">3. The U.S. Government retract its
libelous and defamatory statements and actions against the
honorable Venezuelan officials who have just obeyed our laws and
our constitution. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Our sovereignty is sacred </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The principles of the founding fathers
of the United States of America are followed today with the same
dignity by the people of Simón Bolívar. In the name of our mutual
love for national independence we want the government of President
Obama to think about and rectify this dangerous precedent.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We are convinced that the defense of
our freedom is a right we shall never give up because the future
of the humanity lies also in our country. As Simón Bolívar said: <strong><em>“The
freedom of the New World is the hope of the universe”. </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Venezuela is not a threat, but a hope”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Independence or nothing”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Simón Bolívar</p>
<div class="moz-signature">-- <br>
Freedom Archives
522 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
415 863.9977
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.freedomarchives.org">www.freedomarchives.org</a>
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