* President Hugo Chávez enacted the enabling law that was approved Thursday at the National Assembly (AN). The law confers him special ruling powers in 11 areas for 18 months. He ordered enforcement of the law as soon as it is published in the Official Gazette.

* The ruler said that US President George W. Bush “should resign if he had just a bit of dignity.” He “has neither the political nor moral ability” to rule that country, Chávez claimed, and matched him with Hitler by stating, “Who is more fascist –Hitler or Bush? They might be tied.”

* Chávez said he would not be surprised if President Bush were to order an attack on Iran. The United States, he said, “has atomic bombs available. They think this way because hegemony is their purpose.”

* The ruler announced the organization of a global R&D center to manufacture solar panels in Venezuela. He ordered Minister of Energy and Petroleum and CEO of state-run oil holding Petróleos de Venezuela (Pdvsa) Rafael Ramírez to look for the appropriate technology for such purpose.

* As from May 1st, he ordered, operations in the Orinoco oil belt will be under the State control. He promised not to rail on anybody and maintained that the workers of those companies will join Pdvsa payroll.

* The president announced that the nationalization of the electricity sector is one of the priorities  to be addressed with the enabling law. The companies to be run by the State include: Electricidad de Caracas its subsidiaries in Yaracuy, Vargas, Guarenas-Guatire and Paraguaná, as well as Seneca in Nueva Esparta; Elebol in Ciudad Bolívar; Eleval in Valencia; Califa in Puerto Cabello, and  Turboven.

* He announced that the Organic Law on Electrical Service is to revised.

* Chávez reiterated that the broadcasting license of private TV channel RCTV will not be renewed, alleging that the decision does not run counter the freedom of expression and information. He urged the creation of a television “increasingly engaged with the people’s values."