Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez’s governing party predicted it had won a sweeping victory in congressional elections, citing internal party counts suggesting its candidates had won more than two-thirds of seats.

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.

Flower wreaths adorned the tomb of an Irishman who fought alongside South American independence hero Simon Bolivar as Irish descendants and admirers held a ceremony yesterday to remember the foreigner who helped Venezuela win independence from Spain.