News of the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has united his supporters and detractors alike. In life, Chavez was a divisive figure, but in Caracas now there can be no doubt about how people feel.
A state funeral for the 58-year-old, who has succumbed to cancer after a long illness, will be held on Friday. Vice President Nicolas Maduro has declared seven days of national mourning.
"At 4.25 PM on this, the 5th day of March, the Commander-President Hugo Chávez Frías has died after fighting very hard against the illness for almost two years." he said in a televised address.
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles lost out to Chavez in the recent election. "The opponents of President Hugo Chavez were never enemies," he said. "This is a message of respect and solidarity."
Source: Euronews
