Venezuelan Ambassador Bids Farewell at Bolivar Hall:
This year (as in 2012), the Venezuelan Embassy in London celebrated the country’s Independence Day on July 3rd – two days before the official date. (The nation freed itself from Spanish rule on July 5th 1811). As noted on the Embassy’s website, this event was preceded by a ceremony in Belgrave Square where the Ambassador, Samuel Moncada, “led the tributes and laid a floral wreath at the foot of the statue of Simon Bolivar, followed by a military trumpet salute. Members of the Latin American and international diplomatic community were also present”.
During the packed reception which followed at Bolivar Hall, H.E. Moncada – in a speech from the podium, flanked by a portrait of the revolutionary hero, Francisco de Miranda – emphasised the extent to which he had enjoyed his five years as Ambassador in London. He expressed appreciation for all the support he had received since presenting his credentials to the “Court of St James” on 9th November 2007.
Ambassador Moncada will now move to New York to take up his new appointment as Venezuela’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, replacing Jorge Valero – who is also currently Deputy Foreign Minister for North America & Multilateral Affairs and who will become Venezuela’s representative to the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. Ambassador Moncada’s successor in London has not yet been announced
The music throughout the reception at Bolivar Hall was provided by the Latin American Rhythms Band “Bahareque”.