Argentina Names New Defense, Security Chiefs

BUENOS AIRES — Argentine President Cristina Kirchner reshuffled part of her cabinet late Thursday, appointing new defense and security ministers, her spokesman said.

National Deputy Agustin Oscar Rossi, who leads the ruling Front for Victory block in the lower chamber, will replace Arturo Puricelli as defense minister in the surprise move, spokesman Alfredo Scoccimarro told reporters.

Puricelli, in turn, will replace Security Minister Nilda Garre, who will be nominated as ambassador to the Organization of American States.

Kirchner was elected in 2007 and won a second term in 2011 with 54 percent of the vote.