Punch-up halts Venezuela parliament

MPs were discussing reforms of Venezuela's Supreme Court

Parliament in Venezuela has been suspended after a violent row broke out between two of the lawmakers.

Cesar Perez from the opposition Social Christian Party said he was attacked by Iris Varela from the governing Fifth Republic Movement (MVR) outside the parliamentary chamber.

Mr Perez - showing his bloody cheek - accused Mrs Varela of scratching his face with her fingernails.

But Mrs Varela said Mr Perez had kicked her the previous day in another row inside parliament.

She also accused the opposition lawmaker of trying to disrupt reforms of the Venezuelan Supreme Court which were debated at the marathon 17-hour session.

"The deputy (Perez) was about to force his way onto the... presidential podium (of the parliament)," Mrs Varela was quoted as saying by the Venezuela's Electronic News.

"I tried to intervene, since it was obvious by his interruption that his sole intent was to end the debate," Mrs Varela added.

Both Mr Perez and Mrs Varela have asked a forensic specialist to analyse their injuries.

The first vice-president of the parliament, Ricardo Gutierrez, said the session would be suspended until Thursday.

"We cannot make any decision at this time," Mr Gutierrez was quoted as saying by Globovision television channel.

Mr Gutierrez also called a meeting of political leaders to discuss the incident.