Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, 58, has passed away in hospital after developing a severe respiratory infection during his battle with cancer.
Supporters of Chavez, who had been fighting the disease for two years, stated he had been infected by "imperialist enemies".
The country's vice president Nicolas Maduro, surrounded by other government officials, made the announcement during a national television broadcast last night.
Maduro revealed that the long-standing president died at 4:25pm local time in the country's capital Caracas, using the broadcast to call for "unity, tranquility and understanding".
"We have no doubt that commander Chavez was attacked with this illness," Maduro added, fingering "imperialist" foes led by the United States.
Maduro was quoted as saying: "The old enemies of our fatherland looked for a way to harm his health."
Mr Maduro called on Venezualans to be "dignified inheritors of the giant man", saying: "Let there be no weakness, no violence. Let there be no hate. In our hearts there should only be one sentiment: Love. Love, peace and discipline."
It has to be mentioned that in downtown Caracas shops and restaurants were closed and Venezuelans hurried home after hearing the news.
US President Barack Obama claimed that the country hoped to develop its relationship with Venezuela.
In a statement, Obama was quoted as saying: "At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez's passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights."
Foreign Secretary William Hague paid tribute to Chavez, who stated he left a "lasting impression" on the country.
Hague revealed: "I was saddened to learn of the death of President Hugo Chavez. As President of Venezuela for 14 years he has left a lasting impression on the country and more widely".
"I would like to offer my condolences to his family and to the Venezuelan people at this time," Hague added.
R.I.P Hugo Chavez
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Supporters of Chavez, who had been fighting the disease for two years, stated he had been infected by "imperialist enemies".
The country's vice president Nicolas Maduro, surrounded by other government officials, made the announcement during a national television broadcast last night.
Maduro revealed that the long-standing president died at 4:25pm local time in the country's capital Caracas, using the broadcast to call for "unity, tranquility and understanding".
"We have no doubt that commander Chavez was attacked with this illness," Maduro added, fingering "imperialist" foes led by the United States.
Maduro was quoted as saying: "The old enemies of our fatherland looked for a way to harm his health."
Mr Maduro called on Venezualans to be "dignified inheritors of the giant man", saying: "Let there be no weakness, no violence. Let there be no hate. In our hearts there should only be one sentiment: Love. Love, peace and discipline."
It has to be mentioned that in downtown Caracas shops and restaurants were closed and Venezuelans hurried home after hearing the news.
US President Barack Obama claimed that the country hoped to develop its relationship with Venezuela.
In a statement, Obama was quoted as saying: "At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez's passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights."
Foreign Secretary William Hague paid tribute to Chavez, who stated he left a "lasting impression" on the country.
Hague revealed: "I was saddened to learn of the death of President Hugo Chavez. As President of Venezuela for 14 years he has left a lasting impression on the country and more widely".
"I would like to offer my condolences to his family and to the Venezuelan people at this time," Hague added.
R.I.P Hugo Chavez
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