Maduro praised the “exemplary conduct” of the GNB on its anniversary

|| AFP/EFE Agencies

**The President of the Republic stated that this military body has been and is the “backbone of peace” and “the protection of the people”**

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro yesterday praised the National Guard’s “exemplary conduct” as he faces opposition protests against his re-election in the July 28 elections that left at least 11 civilians dead.

“I want to congratulate this professional, humane and powerful National Guard (…), because you have been and are the backbone of peace, the protection of the people, tranquility, security,” said Maduro at an event for the 87th anniversary of that body, with the presence of the high command of the Armed Forces.

“We are facing a coup d’état in the streets of Venezuela (…), an imperialist coup d’état, an imperialist ambush,” the socialist leader continued.

At yesterday’s ceremony, where he authorized promotions and awarded decorations, the president expressed condolences to the families of two members of the National Guard who died in violent incidents during the protests.

They were “killed in ambushes by criminals, hired criminals prepared and trained for this coup d’état,” he said.

“Fascism in Venezuela will not seize power. I am ready for anything,” warned Maduro, who on Saturday said that “police-military” patrols will continue throughout the country to “protect the people.”

The high command of the Armed Forces has declared “absolute loyalty” to Maduro.

HE LAUNCHED THE EU

President Maduro said yesterday that the European Union (EU) and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, are a “disgrace,” after the community bloc expressed that it “follows with concern the events” in the Caribbean nation.

“The European Union is making a fuss, the same European Union that recognized (Juan) Guaidó, the European Union is a disgrace, Mr. Borrell is a disgrace, he is a disgrace who led Ukraine into a war and now he washes his hands,” said the president at the event with the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB, militarized police).

Maduro criticized the EU for asking Venezuelan authorities to respect the protests that have taken place since Monday in rejection of the official results published by the National Electoral Council (CNE), which declared the president the winner.

“Now you say that in Venezuela there is repression of peaceful demonstrations, says Mr. Borrell. Peaceful? When do they attack the population, hospitals, CDI (Comprehensive Diagnostic Centers), schools, bus units, subway stations?” he questioned.