Venezuela's Armed Forces endorse top court's decision

Venezuela's Defense Minister Diego Molero Bellavia confirmed on Wednesday that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) would comply with the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), which authorized Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez to remain indefinitely out of office as he recovers from a cancer surgery he underwent last December 11.

"Discipline, obedience, and subordination are the fundamental pillars of our institution, which abides by the decision of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice concerning the presidential swearing-in ceremony scheduled for January 10, 2013."

"We are very confident that the top court's sentence was grounded in the principles of both the continuity of the branches of government and the preservation of people's will. Thus, we, the soldiers, uphold and will enforce the ruling of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice issued via the Constitutional Court," Molero said.

"We agree on holding President Hugo Chávez's oath-taking after January 10, 2013 without affecting the constitutional period he was reelected for."

The minister stated that more than ever before "the Armed Forces in the country express their subordination and loyalty to Commander Hugo Chávez Frías." He added that the Armed Forces will guarantee the country's social peace.

Twitter: @ocarinaespinoza

Translated by Jhean Cabrera