Venezuela awards medals to Cuban doctorsMarch 20, 2013 - 09:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Venezuela’s government has awarded with state medals four Cuban doctors and three nurses who provided medical care to late President Hugo Chavez in Cuba during his two-year-long fight with cancer, RIA Novosti reported citing the Venezuelan media. According to La Gaceta Oficial, a government publication, Acting President Nicolas Maduro has signed a decree which recognizes the Cuban medics for their “dedicated commitment to the care of our Supreme Commander of the Bolivarian Revolution, Hugo Rafael Chávez." Chavez, who ruled Venezuela for 14 years, died in a military hospital in Caracas on March 5 at the age of 58. The charismatic Venezuelan leader underwent four surgeries and four courses of chemotherapy in Cuba and Venezuela within the past two years. Chavez spent most of his convalescence in Cuba after his first operation in June 2011, and was transferred to Caracas two weeks before his death. Cuba has been providing extensive medical aid to Venezuela since 1999 in exchange for oil supplies. Under a bilateral program, known as the "oil for doctors,” Cuba has sent 31,000 doctors to Venezuela and provides training for 40,000 Venezuelan medical personnel. In exchange, Venezuela ships 100,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |