Venezuelan Defense Minister Carlos Mata on Thursday denounced Larry Palmer, U.S. nominee for ambassador in Caracas,for his criticism of the Venezuelan military. 'In an absurd, irresponsible and fearless way he (Paler) attacked the military institution' of Venezuela, Mata told state-run TV channel Venezolana de Televison (VTV). During a U.S. Senate hearing, Palmer criticized the 'low moral' of the Venezuelan military and the allegedly role of Cuba in the military. He also expressed concern about the presence of Colombian guerilla chiefs in Venezuela, an allegation Caracas vehemently denies. 'We are intellectually, physically and professionally equipped to meet the challenges of the international dynamics and guarantee the peace in the country,' said Mata. 'It is no coincidence the Colombian government took its case against Venezuela to the Organization of American States (OAS)... This reveals a scheme planed by the U.S. government,' he added. Venezuelan Foreign Ministry also condemned Palmer's remarks. Palmer was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama on June 28 as ambassador to Venezuela. 