Venezuela takes back oil fields

Venezuela has taken control of two oil fields operated by French firm Total and Italy’s Eni.

The government said it had taken the step after the failing to agree a deal with the two firms which would give it a majority stake in new ventures.

President Hugo Chavez has been working to strengthen state control over oil production in the country.

So far, 16 oil firms have agreed to change their operations into joint ventures with state oil firm PDVSA.