Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Dead at 58

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez lost his battle with cancer today, March 5. He was 58.

Chavez led a colorful and controversial life. He was known as an antagonist to the American government and was a close friend of Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Venezuela’s leadership has called for “unity, tranquility and understanding” during the transition. Vice-President Nicolas Maduro will be taking over leadership of the country but the Venezuelan constitution requires that a new election be held within 30 days.

Venezuela’s military is in the “process of deploying … to ensure the safety of all Venezuelans” and to support the country’s constitution, according to Venezuela’s defense minister, Adm. Diego Molero.

Many leaders have made statements about the death of Chavez, not all of them kind.

U.S. President Barack Obama: “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.”

Bolivian President Evo Morales: “[Chavez] gave all his life for the liberation of the Venezuelan people … of all the anti-imperialists and anti-capitalists of the world.”

US Congressman Ed Royce: “Hugo Chavez was a tyrant who forced the people of Venezuela to live in fear.  His death dents the alliance of anti-U.S. leftist leaders in South America. Good riddance to this dictator.”

Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry: “The national government expresses its solidarity in light of this irreparable loss that puts the Venezuelan people and all the region in mourning and at the same time sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late champion of Latin America.”

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper: “At this key juncture, I hope the people of Venezuela can now build for themselves a better, brighter future based on the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee): “Hugo Chavez was a destabilizing force in Latin America, and an obstacle to progress in the region.  I hope his death provides an opportunity for a new chapter in U.S.-Venezuelan relations.”