Chavez may cut short decree rule

Denying he was a dictator, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez offered on Saturday to give up much-criticized decree powers a year ahead of schedule if post-flood emergency measures were implemented quickly.

Addressing Parliament, the socialist leader complained he was being "demonized" around the world and was prepared to give up on May 1 the powers he had been granted until mid-2012.

"There is a campaign to make me out to be a devil. ... How on Earth can they say the Enabling Law means we are in a dictatorship?" he said of the bill granting him decree powers.

"I am capable of asking this National Assembly to overturn the Enabling Law. ... So if anyone feels restricted (by the law), then I'll send it back; I have no problem."

Chavez requested decree powers from the outgoing Parliament at the end of last year.Critics said his real intention was to undermine the incoming National Assembly.

The Venezuelan leader also sent a message of friendship to President Barack Obama, recounting to Parliament his recent handshake and chat with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during a meeting in Brazil.

Reuters