Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday tapped 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 expected Padrino Lopez, who is now the head of the National Armed Forces Strategic Operational Command, will serve in both posts.

Venezuela's right wing is strongly opposed to Maduro's government, which is continuing the reformist policies begun by his predecessor Hugo Chavez. Both Melendez and Padrino are known for their proven loyalty to the socialist revolution originally launched in 1999 by Chavez.

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.