Chavez acquires special powers

摘要

Venezuela's national assembly has given sweeping powersto President Hugo Chavez following approval of the spe-cial powers law on 31 January.With respect to the energy sector,the law grants Chavezunrestricted power over the next 18 months "to make what-ever reforms he considers necessary in hydrocarbons andtheir derivatives,domestic distribution of oil,gas andderivatives,and the electricity service in harmony with theprinciple of full sovereignty of our natural resources," saysnational assembly president Cilia Flores.