Chavez's lead dwindles

Venezuela's rejuvenated opposition celebrated yesterday after reducing President Hugo Chavez's majority in Parliament.

The President said his ruling Socialist Party won 98 seats in the 165-member National Assembly, while the opposition bloc took 65 seats.

Other parties had two. The opposition had boycotted the last election in 2005, giving Chavez complete control of Parliament.

The result left the Government just shy of the 99 seats it would need for Parliament to give special decree powers to Chavez if he wants to ignore the body.