Venezuela: Maduro confirms Godfather López in defense

(ANSA) - CARACAS, JULY 8 - The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, has announced the confirmation of General Vladimir Godfather López as Minister of Defense, and Admiral Remigio Ceballos as head of the Strategic Operational Command of the Bolivarian Armed Force (CeoFanb), deciding instead a rotation for the leaders of the three weapons of the Forces. In a speech from Fuerte Tiuna re-launched by state television, Maduro said he had decided, "as usual, a partial confirmation and a partial renewal of the extraordinary squad of leaders who lead the top military leaders". The changes concern the appointment of General Domingo Hernández Lares to lead the army, Admiral William Serantes Pinto to the top of the Navy, and General José Rafael Silva Aponte to lead the Air Force. Also new is the Chief of Staff of CeoFanb, who is General Pedro Juliac, while General Fabio Zavarce Pabón has been confirmed to the direction of the National Bolivarian Guard, and General Manuel BernalMartínez to that of the Bolivarian Militia. Maduro finally thanked "the superior staff of the Bolivarian Armed Force (Fanb) because he played a perfect role for the country's peace, sovereignty and stability. He won the battle against the fierce imperialism that he hoped to divide the Fanb and we have defeated. "(ANSA).