Venezuela Assembly Passes Reforms

A package of constitutional reforms that strengthens the powers of President Hugo Chavez was given final approval by the Venezuela national assembly. One of the reforms is to vote in a December referendum that would scrap presidential term limits. Critics accuse Mr. Chavez of a power grab but those in favor say the changes will deepen Venezuela's democracy. Venezuelan troops had to use tear gas and a water cannon on Thursday to disperse the opponents of the planned reforms.