"Yes, this year...First we will debate and consult, and then the Ministry of Energy and Oil will have to implement, because they are the ones that know how much oil is being shipped out and at what prices."
Venezuela moved a step closer to creating a new windfall tax on oil after the proposed measure passed a "first discussion" vote Thursday afternoon in the National Assembly, lawmakers and Energy and Mines Commission President Angel Rodriguez said the tax was going be applied from this year.

"I don't think we have reached the end of the financial crisis."
Eurozone finance ministers voiced growing concern on Friday about the outlook for their combined economy under the threat of financial crisis, soaring inflation and a strong euro, as chairman of the Eurogroup of finance ministers Jean-Claude Juncker warned ahead of a meeting with his counterparts.

Updated: April 4, 2008