VENEZUELA: Higher Oil Prices Fuel Q1 Growth To 4.5%...Best Since 2008.

BLOOMBERG/ C.Devereux and C. Rodriguez Pons

   Venezuela's economy is emerging from recession faster than expected thanks to higher oil prices.
   Its GDP grew by 4.5%.. in Q1 vs 2010...more than twice as fast as the 1.7% many economists predicted.
  "Venezuela is turning the page and is in recovery,” said FM Jorge Giordani.
 “Growth will contribute to President Chavez’s leadership in the 2012 elections.”