Venezuela on Chavez re-election

Venezuela has given preliminary approval for a vote on constitutional changes that would allow President Hugo Chavez to seek indefinite re-election.



The Parliament is expected to give the final go-ahead for a referendum on the issue in a second debate next month.



Chavez’ supporters are said to have presented a petition to National Assembly officials which, they say were signed by about 5 million people.



The signatures, however, carry no legal weight as the decision on whether to pass the motion is taken by the Assembly.



Mr Chavez, who recently marked 10 years since his first election as President, is seeking reforms that would let him stand again when his second term ends in 2012.