By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 25 -- Bolivian President Evo Morales named Andris Soliz Rada energy minister, replacing Mauricio Medinacelli. Soliz is an attorney who has written numerous books and articles about oil and natural gas.
Soliz told reporters in Bolivia that his first priority is to strengthen state oil company Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos. Previously, Soliz served on the transition committee for the Morales administration.
Morales won election in December after a campaign that raised fears about nationalization of the oil and gas industry. He was inaugurated Jan. 22 and named a cabinet on Jan. 23 (OGJ Online, Jan. 23, 2006).
