Chavez to decree law enabling supermarket expropriations

Venezuela President Hugo Chavez said he will shortly decree a law giving the government the authority to expropriate supermarkets, stores and other businesses caught hoarding food or speculating on prices.

Chavez said Thursday the law will be used to severely punish businesses in food production and distribution that violate price controls set by the government. "Don't give me an excuse," he warned on his "Hello, President" TV program. (AP)