Trump picks ex-rival Carson as head of Housing DepartmentDecember 5, 2016 - 17:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, a presidential rival-turned-supporter, has been nominated to serve as President-elect Donald Trump's head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Trump said on Monday, December 5, acoording to Reuters. "Dr. Carson is a distinguished national leader who overcame his troubled youth in the inner city of Detroit to become a renowned neurosurgeon who served as the director of paediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland," Trump's transition team said in a statement announcing the nomination. Carson, who like Trump has never held public office and has no government experience, recently said he was not interested in serving in Trump's administration because he lacked experience in the federal government. However, in accepting the appointment, Carson said, "I feel that I can make a significant contribution particularly by strengthening communities that are most in need." "Ben Carson has a brilliant mind and is passionate about strengthening communities and families within those communities," Trump said in the statement. Carson, 65, was a frequent Trump target during the campaign. But he became one of his most high-profile African-American supporters after Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination, Reuters says. At HUD, Carson would lead an agency whose mission has been to help middle- and low-income people find homes. It also runs a programme aimed at replacing distressed public housing with mixed-income neighbourhoods. The department also oversees mortgage lending and other housing programs. 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. |