Bolivian President “almost certain” Chaves was poisoned by U.S.March 10, 2013 - 15:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Bolivian President Evo Morales said Saturday, March 9 he was “almost certain” that “the empire” (the United States) had poisoned his political ally, late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, regional media reported, according to RIA Novosti. President Chavez, who led Venezuela for 14 years, died Tuesday at the age of 58 after a two-year-long fight against cancer. Nicolas Maduro, who had been vice president under Chavez and was sworn in as acting president Friday, earlier accused Venezuela’s enemies of causing cancer in Chavez, saying the issue would be investigated by a special commission. According to a major Venezuelan newspaper, Morales, who traveled to Caracas to attend Chavez's state funeral Friday, said he had always been aware of Chavez's disease although he never revealed any details. The newspaper, El Universal, reported that Morales recalled he had once offered Chavez some coffee, but the Venezuelan leader’s security guards objected. “Brother Chavez said [to his body guards]: ‘How can you think that Evo will poison me?’ and then he had coffee,” the Bolivian leader said. The swearing-in ceremony for Maduro was held hours after Chavez’s state funeral on Friday, which was attended by over 30 heads of state and government. Venezuela will hold a presidential election to elect a successor to Chavez on April 14, the country’s electoral council said following an extraordinary meeting. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | EU to provide budgetary support to Armenia The agreement is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia. Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. Azerbaijan proposes Armenia to jointly seek cancelation of Minak Group The Azerbaijani President maintained that the move will show “how sincere Armenia is.” Seven injured in massive gas station explosion in Armenia The Investigative Committee of Armenia has unveiled details about a massive explosion at a gas station on the Yerevan-Sevan highway. |