Omar Torrijos Never Bowed to Imperialism: President Maduro
Omar Torrijos (L) and Fidel Castro (R). X/ @CairoPalomo
February 14, 2025 Hour: 7:50 am
‘Sooner rather than later, the Panamanian people will have their moment of vindication,’ the Bolivarian leader said.
On Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro applauded the tribute that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) paid to the Panamanian revolutionary leader Omar Torrijos (1929-1981).
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“An extraordinary tribute from Venezuela, with a ceremony presided over by our FANB High Military Command, in which we celebrate the life and eternal legacy of General Omar Torrijos, the leader who restored dignity and fought for the independence of Panama, a country which is Bolivarian land,” he said.
“We honor the memory of this revolutionary and defender of his people’s sovereignty, who never bowed to imperialism. Today, he is an example of courage and supreme loyalty.”
“We raise our prayers so that, sooner rather than later, the Panamanian people will have their moment of vindication. Long live Panama!” Maduro emphasized.
During the ceremony, FANB General Vladimir Padrino Lopez also paid tribute to the Panamanian leader by unveiling his bust in the Bicentennial Courtyard of the Bolivarian Military Academy.
“The legacy of this distinguished Panamanian remains alive. The fighting people who struggle for sovereignty remember and emulate him. Long live the great revolutionary of Panama!” the Venezuelan president stated.
In 1968, Omar Torrijos led a coup d’etat against President Arnulfo Arias and established a military government, implementing unprecedented social policies. He promoted land reform, education, and social welfare programs in an effort to reduce inequality and strengthen Panama’s sovereignty.
Torrijos is best known for negotiating the “Torrijos-Carter Treaties” with U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1977. These treaties set the framework for the gradual transfer of the Panama Canal from U.S. control to Panama, a process that was fully completed on December 31, 1999.
The Panamanian leader died in July 31, 1981 in a plane crash, in which U.S. security agencies were probably involved due to his progressive and nationalist stance.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: VTV
