Minister of Communication and Information Andrés Izarra confirmed Wednesday that he quit the position occupied since September 2004 in order to preside over hemispheric TV station Telesur.

He explained that the action was taken to prevent overlapping and any government interference with the channel.

During a press conference at Miraflores presidential palace, Izarra thanked those who supported him during his 11-month stay in office and helped him undertake a number of projects.

He noted that President Hugo Chávez is to announce soon the name of the succeeding minister.

Izarra provided assurances for plurality and open-mindedness in Telesur programming, and clarified that his move is in line with the commitment to an independent and objective TV station. The official claimed that the opposition would enjoy coverage as part of the channel programming.