VENEZUELAN DEPUTIES APPROVE BILL GIVING PRESIDENT CHAVEZ POWER TO LEGISLATE BY DECREE, 2000-11-07 (photo)

Venezuelan deputies approve a bill giving President Hugo Chavez powers to legislate by decree in Caracas November 7, 2000. The so-called Enabling Law, approved in a second discussion Tuesday, gives Chavez power to press ahead with his self-styled "democratic revolution" in the world's No. 3 oil exporter. The former paratrooper has argued the bill is necessary to adapt Venezuelan laws to a new constitution approved last year, but opposition politicians say it is another sign that Chavez has amassed dictatorial powers and has no respect for democratic institutions. TA/SV