Maduro sworn in as Venezuela's acting presidentMarch 9, 2013 - 09:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Venezuela's former vice-president Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in as acting president hours after the state funeral of Hugo Chavez, according to BBC News. The ceremony was led by National Assembly Speaker Diosdado Cabello in the capital, Caracas. Chavez, who died on March 5 after a long battle with cancer, had named Maduro as his chosen successor. However, the main opposition coalition boycotted Maduro's swearing-in, saying that it was unconstitutional. It argues that - under the constitution - the speaker of the National Assembly should be the one to take over as acting president. The opposition leader, Henrique Capriles, called the move fraudulent. After swearing in Maduro, Cabello said: "Venezuela will follow the route to socialism." As acting president, Maduro is expected to call elections within 30 days. Holding a copy of the Venezuelan constitution in his hand, Maduro announced at the National Assembly: "I swear in the name of absolute loyalty to Comandante [commander] Hugo Chavez that we will obey and defend this Bolivarian Constitution with the hard hand of the free people." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |