Venezuela's parliament has met in informal session to adopt new procedures intended to allow the swift passage of several new laws, including a measure that would tighten restrictions on news media.
The lawmakers gathered in tents in a poor neighborhood of supporters of President Hugo Chavez. Opposition members of Congress boycotted the session and said they did not recognize the legitimacy of the vote.
The new rules will make it more difficult to block legislation supported by the president.
The 93 pro-government deputies said they were forced to hold the one-sided session outside the National Assembly to overcome what they called an opposition block on legislation in a key parliament drafting committee.