Chavez names minister cited by US in drug trafficking
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez appointed General Henry Rangel Silva as his defense minister despite US accusations he participates in drug trafficking.
"Today I announce his appointment as the new minister of defense of the republic here in this sacred temple in front of the Virgin of Coromoto," Chavez said during an outdoor mass in Guanare, in northwestern Venezuela, as it was broadcast on radio and television. (AFP)
