Diosdado Cabello is the new president of the National Assembly

Former Venezuelan Vice-President Diosdado Cabello (Psuv- state of Monagas) was sworn in as the new president of the National Assembly (NA) for 2012-2013, only with the votes of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (Psuv).

Cabello was not sworn in by the outgoing speaker Fernando Soto Rojas but for a spokeswoman of the Community Councils.

In his speech, the new speaker of the Venezuelan Parliament acknowledged the work of Soto Rojas during the regular legislative session 2011 - 2012. "He had to endure verbal and physical abuse," Cabello noted.

The new NA speaker thanked the "revolutionary" bloc for supporting him to preside over the Congress. He told the "counter-revolutionary bloc" "the fact that you did not support me gives me a great peace of mind."

With regard to the criticisms made by opposition deputy Juan Carlos Caldera about Cabello's tenure as governor of the state of Miranda, the new Congress' president said: "they were given the opportunity to take me to court but they have no evidence."

Juan Carlos Caldera (a deputy of opposition party Primero Justicia -Justice First), announced the refusal of the opposition bloc to back the proposal made by the Psuv with regard to the new Congress board. Caldera said that there are 19 cases filed in the Comptroller General Office against Congressman Cabello.

Aristóbulo Istúriz (PSUV- Caracas) was sworn in as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, while Blanca Eekhout, another pro-government leader, was elected second deputy speaker. Iván Zerpa was appointed as Secretary of Congress and Víctor Clark was chosen as Under Secretary.