President Chávez Appoints New Ministers

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Nicolás Maduro also was sworn in as the new vice president.

[Global: Venezuela]

Re-elected to a new term in office, Venezuela’s President Hugo Chávez has made several new key ministerial appointments. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Nicolás Maduro also was sworn in as the new vice president.

Chávez announced on Saturday afternoon he has named new ministers of communications, justice, the environment, indigenous peoples, the office of the president, and agriculture.

Through his twitter account, @ChavezCandanga, the president announced that he named former National Anti-Drug Office chief Nestor Reverol to the post of minister of the interior and justice. Reverol replaces outgoing Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami, who will run for governor in the state of Aragua for the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

Meanwhile, Chávez announced that Ernesto Villegas will replace Andrés Izarra as ninister of information and communications, and Cristóbal Francisco will replace Alejandro Hitcher as environment minister.

Carmen Meléndez was named Minister of the Office of the President to replace Erika Farías. That post will also include new responsibilities with regard to monitoring progress on government policies.

Juan Carlos Loyo returns as minister of agriculture to replace Elías Jaua – also the vice president – who will run for governor of the state of Miranda for the PSUV.

Finally, the new minister for indigenous affairs is Aloha Núñez, who replaces longtime Minister Nicia Maldonado.

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