Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday that he won't relinquish special legislative powers - a possibility he raised last week as a means of seeking reconciliation with Venezuela's opposition.
Chavez's offer to reduce the period of time he has to enact laws by decree through the "Enabling Law" surprised opposition leaders.
"I'm not going to return the Enabling Law," said Chavez, speaking in a televised address. "I made a call to encourage courteous and respectful dialogue, but look at their response."
Chavez first said that he needed special legislative powers for 18 months, which were approved by a lame-duck congress dominated by his allies in December, to swiftly approve disaster-relief measures after severe floods and mudslides that left thousands homeless last year.
But last week, Chavez said lawmakers could reduce the period from a year and a half to 5 months.
AP
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