During the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of foundation of the Nicaraguan Army, which began more than two hours late, Aviles said that the soldiers are ready to stop all "foreign claims" over the San Juan river, Nicaraguan sovereignty and the border with Costa Rica.

In his speech, the military chief congratulated Nicaraguans for "defending the sovereignty of the San Juan River and Harbor Head (the wetlands in dispute known in Costa Rica as Isla Calero)".

Avilés emphasized: the San Juan "is a symbol of patriotism and dignity and with all our people, the Army watches and defends the claims that are made over it".

Although the ICJ ordered in March that both countries stay out of the disputed area while the court case is pending, various groups made up of Sandinista youths close to the Ortega government, have been sent into the territory to "defend national sovereignty", provoking further protests by Costa Rica.

In his speech, Aviles, reiterated that drug trafficking and organized crime are major threats in Nicaragua.

Aviles said that in 2010 the armed forces seized 8.5 tons of cocaine, about $100,000 in cash, five aircraft, two boats and detained, in coordination with the National Police, 547 drug dealers and other people linked to 1.754 crimes.