By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Dec. 21 -- Venezuelan Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez resigned after President Hugo Chavez requested the resignation of all his cabinet ministers.
Chavez told reporters in Venezuela that the ministers will stay in their posts until replacements are approved.
Ramirez has been minister since 2002 and was appointed president of state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA in November 2004. He did not resign as PDVSA president, PDVSA told Business News Americas. PDVSA officials confirmed that Ramirez had resigned as minister.
