This is to confirm May 1 is Labour Day in Venezuela and is declared a public holiday.

I would think Sanz the Mining Minister will discuss today's news releases on May 2. Don't know about you, but I want to hear what Sanz has to say about matters. Keep in mind Chavez has Special Powers to over rule any decision made by his staff until June 30/08.

Enabling law for 18 months
The enabling law that President Hugo Chávez is requesting the National Assembly (AN) will be implemented for 18 months and spans 10 strategic areas, including, among others, economics and finance, social, land layout and planning, security and defense, reinforced people's power, said Deputy Carlos Escarrá for ruling party MVR.

Escarrá noted that the bill will be discussed in a first session at AN. Next week, article after article will be explored in a second session. Also, some street parliamentarian activities will be conducted with regard to this issue.

Escarrá noted that AN will continue engaged in lawmaking despite such a transfer of powers to the Executive. Around 70 laws are in the agenda.

He anticipated that the enabling law will include a nationalization law, as well as reforms to the tax and financial systems.