The Army Commander-in-Chief, Javier Iturriaga del Campo, handed over the command ceremony at the Military School on Wednesday. President Sebastián Piñera, some of his ministers and the future head of Defense, Maya Fernández, participated in the event.
This Wednesday followingnoon General Javier Iturriaga del Campo took office as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Army. The military man achieved greater notoriety following fulfilling the role of head of National Defense for the Metropolitan region during the social outbreak and his famous phrase “I’m not at war with anyone“.
The appointment is made following the resignation of former general Ricardo Martínezaccused in the case of fraud in the Army, particularly in the travel area.
The ceremony held at the Bernardo O’Higgins Military School was attended by the President Sebastián Piñera and some of his ministers, the future head of Defense, Maya Fernández; and parliamentarians. In addition to soldiers representing Argentina, Brazil and the United States.
“With deep emotion and in the presence of the highest authorities of the country and special guests, as well as in front of you, soldiers of the Chilean Army, a few moments ago I received from the hands of the President of the Republic the symbols that represent the authority and command and the enormous responsibility that the position demands”, the commander stated.
“I promise to put all my skills, professionalism, sacrifice and patriotism in the exercise of this position, which requires a performance in accordance with the principles and values that support our military profession, the historical prestige of our Army and the strict observance of current constitutional and legal regulations,” he added.
Likewise, he indicated that the modernization process being carried out by the Army considers “a balanced and harmonious development in the different areas, with a necessary sense of realism and in accordance with the situation that our country is experiencing.”
The Minister of Defense, Baldo Prokurica, congratulated the new commander in chief of the Army and highlighted his career of more than 40 years in the institution.
“His previous mission as head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was carried out in an exemplary manner, lending all the collaboration of the Armed Forces to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” said the Secretary of State.
To conclude, he asserted that he has “the full conviction that General Iturriaga He is the right person to lead the Army in this historic moment that the institution is going through and who will always put Chile first.“.
????NOW. President Sebastián Piñera arrived at the change of command, accompanied by General Rodrigo Ventura. Javier Iturriaga will take over as Commander-in-Chief of the Army. @biobio pic.twitter.com/eW0hM0p2rF
— Daniela Forero-Ortiz (@dforeror) March 9, 2022
