Caracas, October 25 (RHC-Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday nominated Carmen Melendez as Minister of the Interior, Justice and Peace, and Vladimir Padrino Lopez as the Minister of the country's Defense Ministry.

Before Friday's nomination, Melendez had been serving as Defense Minister since July 2013. Maduro said Padrino Lopez, who is now the head of the National Armed Forces Strategic Operational Command, will serve in both posts.

Melendez will be entrusted with the task of spearheading various government programs designed to promote peaceful coexistence in the politically divided nation, which was roiled by violent anti-government protests earlier this year, said Maduro.