Hugo Chavez was killed by cancer

Hugo Chavez

In Caracas, Venezuela, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez gave his last breath at 16:25, after struggling for nearly two years against cancer. His death ended the uncertainty in the country and now opens the door for an election that will test the survival of the Chavez revolution.

Today, Foreign Minister Elias Jaua announced that the president’s body will be taken to the Military Academy of Venezuela, where it will be shown for mourning until Friday, when the ceremony will take place. He added that they have declared seven days of national mourning.

The death of the socialist leader, who ruled for 14 years, came after two weeks of having returned home after a long hospital stay in Cuba, where he underwent surgery four times by a tumor in the pelvic area.

With his voice cracking and tears Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan Vice President, said yesterday: “We received the most harsh and tragic news that we can broadcast. At 4:25 pm on March 5 the President Hugo Chavez has passed away.”