Venezuela’s government has revealed for the first time that President Hugo Chavez has been receiving chemotherapy as he “continues his battle for life”.

Venezuela’s National Assembly gave initial approval to a measure that would let President Hugo Chavez enact laws by decree.

Venezuela rejected Mexico’s demand for an apology today in a spat between President Hugo Chavez and Mexican leader Vicente Fox, calling it an unjustified ultimatum and saying Venezuela was recalling its ambassador.

The privately owned British company Vestey is fighting to keep a cattle ranch that Venezuela’s government has targeted for expropriation under a land reform programme.