JONATHAN, WORLD LEADERS MOURN CHAVEZ

JONATHAN, WORLD LEADERS MOURN CHAVEZ

US calls for new chapter in Venezuela

President Goodluck Jonathan and scores of world leaders Wednesday extended their “sincere commiserations to the government and people of Venezuela” over the death of President Hugo Chavez who died at the age of 58 on Tuesday after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Specifically, a statement by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said: “President Jonathan and Nigerians join the brotherly people of Venezuela in mourning President Chavez who greatly endeared himself to the ordinary people of his country with his admirable efforts to improve the living conditions of underprivileged Venezuelans.”

According to the statement, “as they (Venezuelans) observe the seven-day period of mourning which has been declared for late Chavez, Jonathan urges Venezuelans to take solace in the knowledge that he did the very best that he could to uplift his people and country in the 14 years of his Presidency.”

He prayed that God Almighty will receive Chavez’s soul and grant him eternal rest.
In the same vein, the Cuban government stated that he had stood by former Cuban president, Fidel  Castro like  “a true son.”
Argentinian vice-president, Amado Boudou, tweeted: “Great pain all over America. One of the best has left us.”

The White House issued a statement 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.”

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said: “This death should fill all Latin and Central Americans with sadness.”
Even the embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sent a telegram of condolence to Venezuela’s vice-president.

The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, offered his “deepest condolences to the families and people and the government of Venezuela” and noted Chavez’s contributions to his country’s development. He will be issuing a formal statement later.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, said he was an “exceptional and strong person who looked to the future and always set for himself the highest objectives… an outstanding leader and ruler, a close friend of Russia.”
British Foreign Minister William Hague said he was “saddened to learn of the death of President Hugo Chavez today.”

On social media, Peruvian President, Ollanta Humala, expressed his “profound sadness” to the people of Venezuela on the loss of his friend, and said he wanted to send to Hugo Chavez’s family “our strength and solidarity.”

Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, said he “deeply” regretted Chavez’s death and that the loss had “special meaning” for his country and for him in particular.
Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, offered his condolences “to the people of Venezuela on the passing of President Chavez” and said Canada looked forward to working with his successor.

Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, expressed his condolences, calling him a “symbol of all the brave fighters and revolutionaries of Latin America.”
French President, Francois Hollande, said that while Chavez’s “temperament and the positions he took were not shared by everyone” he expressed “an undeniable wish to fight for justice and development.”
Sudanese President, Omar al-Bashir, has sent a message of condolence to Venezuelan Vice-President Nicolas Maduro, state-run news agency Suna reported.

Outgoing  Kenyan President, Mwai Kibaki, said “the people of Venezuela have lost a dependable leader who had the interests of his country and people close at heart.”

-This day live