Assembly votes to give Chavez laws by decree

Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's president, has received provisional backing from the country's national assembly to rule by decree.

Mr Chavez has said that the law is necessary to continue the next stage of his socialist revolution in the oil-rich country.

In 2000, the charismatic president passed 49 laws by decree using an act called the Enabling Law.

The latest bill will have to pass a second reading in the assembly next week for Mr Chavez to enact the new powers. However, that seems like a foregone conclusion due to the absence of Chavez opposition politicians within the assembly.

Juan Montenegro, a lawmaker, was quoted by the Associated Press as saying: "This process is unstoppable. This process is a historic necessity."

Opposition politician Gerardo Blyde told the news agency that the powers signalled the beginning of the rule of one man.

"What is becoming evident is that all the powers are one single power in Venezuela - Hugo Chavez," he said.

To forward his leftist agenda, Mr Chavez is expected to nationalise private amenities and mineral companies as part of his redistribution policy.

Telecommunications giant CA Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela was highlighted as a potential target in the last few weeks.

Mr Chavez draws a great deal of support from the barrios ? overcrowded and poverty stricken urban districts ? which have been given a much needed dose of lifeblood in the form of government sponsored redevelopment projects.