Venezuela’s vice president steps down for personal reasons; Chavez accepts resignation

Chavez’s No. 2 resigns, citing personal reasons

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s vice president has resigned, citing personal reasons.

A government official said Monday that President Hugo Chavez has accepted the resignation of Ramon Carrizalez, who also served as defense minister.

The official does not say who Chavez might pick as the new vice president.

Carrizalez is a former army colonel who was appointed vice president in January 2008. He was put in charge of the Defense Ministry last year.