Venezuela's Chavez granted power to rule by decree

Venezuelan legislators have voted unanimously to grant leftist President Hugo Chavez the power to rule by decree for 18 months.

The move comes a week after he began a second six-year term, vowing to seek to become president for life.

Legislative president Cilia Flores says the Bill authorises Mr Chavez to "rule by decree ... with the force of law".

"We welcome this enabling law, with the support of the National Assembly, which backs our leader," she said.

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