The Vice President of Venezuela, Ramon Carrizalez has resigned. In a statement he said personal reasons were behind the decision. Mr Carrizalez was also Defence Minister.

His wife, Yubiri Ortega, who is environment minister in the cabinet of Hugo Chávez has also stood down.

Last weekend, the Venezuelan media reported a conflict between the president and his deputy. Mr Carrizalez denies this is the case. He called the rumours “false and malicious”.

Photo: Former Venezuelan vice president Ramon Carrizalez - Daylife