Venezuela names Carmen Melendez as 1st woman defense ministerJuly 6, 2013 - 11:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Venezuela named a female admiral who had been a close aide to Hugo Chavez as its first woman defense minister on Friday July 5 in a ceremony at the military museum that houses the late socialist leader's remains, according to Reuters. Carmen Melendez, who became the South American country's first female admiral a year ago, takes over the defense ministry from Diego Molero. Until Friday, she was serving as minister in the office of the president. "Here, where the remains of our commander lie, I have decided to name a new military high command," President Nicolas Maduro said in a speech carried live on all local TV networks. "I've decided to name a woman to head the defense ministry for the first time: Carmen Melendez, soldier of the fatherland." Maduro narrowly won a presidential election in April after his mentor Chavez died following a two-year battle with cancer. Friday's armed forces reshuffle was long expected as Maduro consolidates his position atop the diverse leftist coalition built by Chavez that ranges from military officers and socialist ideologues to businessmen and armed militants. Melendez played a prominent role in Chavez's administration. In October he gave her a broad mandate to carry out inspections of government departments and public works to investigate claims of inefficiency and corruption. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |