Venezuela's Media Balk at TV Restrictions *** Congress is expected to pass the bill by simple majority vote within weeks. Six of nine members of a committee to enforce the law would be appointed by Chavez. "If there is a terrorist attack this morning, I'd have to tell listeners we have to wait to inform them during the news at 11 (p.m.) because it could be labeled 'violent content,'" said Leopoldo Castillo, a talk show host with Globovision television news channel. ***
Venezuela Govt., Wary Foes Sign Pact to End Battles The National Assembly, where Chavez supporters hold a slim majority, must first appoint a new National Electoral Council to set a poll date and verify the signatures collected. This could involve intense political infighting. Chavez, who survived a coup last year, has also called for a check of the electoral register, which he says is full of errors. Critics say these requirements could give him a chance to try to block the poll through legal maneuvers. "But if Chavez tries to stall, he at least gets kicked in the teeth by international opinion," said Robert Bottome of Caracas-based VenEconomy consultants.***