Venezuela's Hugo Chavez dies at 58

[karl]

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has died, his vice-president has announced.

Mr Chavez had not appeared in public since he returned to Venezuela last month after cancer treatment in Cuba.

An emotional Nicolas Maduro made the announcement on Tuesday evening, flanked by leading Venezuelan political and military leaders.

Earlier, he said the 58-year-old Venezuelan leader had a new, severe respiratory infection and had entered "his most difficult hours".

He also announced the government had expelled two US diplomats from the country for spying on Venezuela's military.

Mr Maduro said Mr Chavez had died "after battling a tough illness for nearly two years".

He said he had no doubt that Mr Chavez's cancer, first diagnosed in 2011, had been induced by foul play by Venezuela's enemies.

Venezuelan radio reported that military had been deployed across the country.

Under the constitution, the head of Venezuela's Congress, Diosdado Cabello, will assume the interim presidency before an election is held.


Full story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-21679053

[irishguy123]

sad news. just shows that anyone can get cancer no matter how powerful or famous. condolences to his family and supporters

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

I think it was pretty obvious that he would die sooner or later. But, to be honest, I was still shocked when I saw this on CNN.

He was quite a polarizing figure. Many people loather him, and many worshiped him. I don't think I fall into either of those categories, but I didn't hate him like most Americans do. I actually admired him a bit, to be honest. A true man of the people.

I was sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family, and to all Venezualans.

[Jess]

That is quite a shock o_o My condolences to his family

[irishguy123]

just to be clear, i didnt hate or like the man either.

[Magus]

R.I.P man.

Also, remind me not to compliment Cuba's medical services.

[dyliwilli123]

Rest in peace.

[Cygnus]

Well I guess a Venezuelan's opinion is needed in this post. He made my life freaking misserable as some used his name to bully me. It was HIS fault my parents were expelled out of the national oil company and blacklisted. It was HIS fault that common goods like milk, soap, corn, and more are getting even scarcer as time goes. He made most of Venezuela a very insecure place and has lowered the countries money reserves by a lot. No condolences or appreciations are needed, in fact I wasn't sad at all. Finally the bastard that made my country a non-likeable place died, and I am happy because of that.

[RunnerRunner]

Well im not being an ass or something but im pretty glad he died. he did screw venezuela up alot.

[Cygnus]

Well im not being an ass or something but im pretty glad he died. he did screw venezuela up alot.

Thank you my kind sir. You understand my point of view, at least in the minimum.

[RunnerRunner]

Haha your welcome DavidM :)

[stev]

I'm also glad that son of a bitch is dead now all we need is Castro to die to.

[RunnerRunner]

you got that right stev haha

[roadwarrior]

rest in peace to him...

[irishguy123]

Thank you my kind sir. You understand my point of view, at least in the minimum.

I didnt exactly like him but show a bit of respect for him and his family even if you didnt like him or agree with his policies as he died in pain for months, surely you wouldnt wish that on anyone???

[Cygnus]

I didnt exactly like him but show a bit of respect for him and his family even if you didnt like him or agree with his policies as he died in pain for months, surely you wouldnt wish that on anyone???

Oh I can make an exception, more than one even. He deserved it.