Venezuela election date set
Venezuela will hold a presidential election on April 14 as acting President Nicolas Maduro, the successor to Hugo Chavez, tries to win his own term in office.
Ahmadinejad praises 'dear friend' Hugo Chavez ahead of funeral
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has arrived in Caracas for funeral of ally and 'close friend' President Hugo Chavez.
Speaking to reporters President Ahmadinejad said;
"He was a dear friend to all the countries of the world. To us, President's Chavez loss is very painful because we've lost a friend, a close friend and a revolutionary and just leader. To me, he had a big personality and a very close friend and brother. I feel like I lost myself."
"He was a great man with very big, humane dreams. I express my solidarity with the people of Venezuela, with all of the people of Latin America and with all the countries of the world. And we promise to realize and materialize his ideas which were so valuable.
"I am certain God will help us and the spirit of President Chavez will be watching us and will help us from the heavens."
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World leaders gather for funeral of Hugo Chavez
More than 20 world leaders are expected to attend the funeral today, but there will be no burial as he will be embalmed.
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Body of 'El Comandante' lies in state
Thousands flocked to the streets of Caracas to see the coffin of Chavez travel through the city to lie in state until Friday's funeral.
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Hugo Chavez: A life in pictures
A look back at the life of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who has died at the age of 58 after a two-year battle with cancer.