Maduro made the remarks at an event held in Valencia, capital of central Carabobo state, to mark the 192nd anniversary of a historic battle for independence.

　　"We have a true homeland, because we have a country with men and women educated with the values of (independence hero Simon) Bolivar. We have a true homeland, because we have an independent republic that does not kneel in front of any empire in the world," he said.

　　The Battle of Carabobo cinched Venezuela's victory in its struggle for independence from colonial Spain.

　　Venezuelans "can today commemorate the glories of that immortal battle as a free and independent nation on the road to socialism," said Maduro.

　　The Venezuelan president denounced what he described as the right-wing's intention to once again deliver the country into the hands of transnational companies, after "demoralizing our people" through a campaign that "minimizes our idea of a homeland."

　　A civic-military parade was held and artistic performances staged during the celebrations, the first in three years.

　　Re-enactments of the battle were staged at several hills, with actors playing the parts of Gen. Simon Bolivar and his army fighting the Royal Spanish forces led by Marshal Miguel de la Torre.