U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesperson

July 3, 2012

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON

Venezuela's Independence Day

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Venezuela as you celebrate 201 years of independence this July 5. This year, the people of both our countries will be going to the polls to elect their political leaders. Holding free and fair elections is the best way to pay tribute to our founders, and reinforce the ideals of individual liberty and equality that our countries were founded upon. I wish Venezuelan citizens everywhere health, happiness, and prosperity on this special day. And I hope the friendship between our peoples will continue to flourish in the years ahead.