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GV Crowd gathering by roadside by Simon Bolivar's statue, London
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CU Statue PULL BACK TO GV crowd and officials
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SV Venezuelan Ambassador Juan Manuel Sucre-Trias and wife Tatiana arriving and wife presented with flowers
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SV Military officials with wreaths
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SV Senor Sucre-trias and Venezuelan Minister-Councillor Dr. Luis Eduardo Linares placing wreath at foot of statue (2 shots)
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SCU Captain Sanoja Medina presented with medal by Senor Sucre-Trias
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SCU Lieutenant Gilflores being presented with Captain's epaulettes
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CU PULL BACK TO SV Statue
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In London, Venezuelan Independence Day was marked by a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of the nineteenth century soldier, diplomat and philosopher, Simon Bolivar. Born in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas in 1783, Bolivar fought against spanish rule throughout South America and brought about the independence of six countries, including Venezuela. Military and diplomatic officials from the Venezuelan Embassy attended the ceremony, celebrating the 167th anniversary of Venezuela's independence.

SYNOPSIS: Simon Bolivar's statue stands in Belgrave Square, central London. During his lifetime he frequently travelled to Europe and in 1810 he visited Britain. the Venezuelan Ambassador, Senor Juan Manuel Sucre-Trias and his wife Tatiana were greeted by leading representatives of the Venezuelan community in Britain assembled around the statue.

Venezuela's army, navy and air force were represented by high ranking officials. Senor Sucre-Trias and the Venezuelan Minister-Councillor, Dr. Luis Eduardo Linares, placed the wreath at he foot of Bolivar's statue. Simon Bolivar devoted his life to the twin ideal of South American independence and unity. A follower of nineteenth century liberal thinking, he was a flamboyant figure, capable of dazzling displays of bravery on the battlefield and fine oratory at political meetings. He pioneered independence movements from Venezuela to Peru, attempting to form alliances between the emergent states that would unite the entire continent.

After the wreath laying ceremony, several military officers received decorations. The Venezuelan Naval Attache in Britain, Captain Sanoja Medina was awarded a long service medal by Ambassador Sucre-Trias. A visiting officer from the Venezuelan Navy, Lieutenant Gilflores, was then presented with epaulettes, marking his promotion to the rank of Captain. In an announcement from the Venezuelan Embassy, the occasion was said to honour not only Bolivar's career and Venezuelan independence, but also the cultural links between Venezuela and Britain.