World leaders react to Chavez’s death

Both tributes and veiled criticism for controversial Venezuelan leader who was known for his anti-Western stance.

Reactions to the death of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez have been as mixed, polemical and outsized as the leader was in life, with some saying his passing was a tragic loss and others calling it an opportunity for Venezuela to escape his long shadow.

Leaders from Latin America, many of them his staunch allies, lined up to salute Chavez, with Cuba leading the plaudits to a man hailed as a “true son” to the communist nation’s revolutionary icon Fidel Castro.

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.

President [Hugo] Chavez spoke to the challenges and aspirations of the most vulnerable Venezuelans.

He was a great politician for his country, Latin America and the world. He played a very important role in the development of relations between Venezuela and Russia, so we feel very badly about it.

It is with deep and excruciating sorrow that our people and the revolutionary government have learned of President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias’ decease.

The Cuban people view him as one of their most outstanding sons.

We recognise a great leader, an irreparable loss and above all a friend of Brazil, a friend of the Brazilian people.

Chavez will continue to be an inspiration for all peoples who fight for their liberation.

Chavez will always be present in all the regions of the world and all social sectors. Hugo Chavez will always be with us, accompanying us.

We are in pain.

Chavez’s death was an “irreparable loss” for Latin America. We have lost a revolutionary, but millions of us remain inspired.

Chavez’s death was “a great loss for Venezuela and the region, for Colombia and for me personally”.

You are always saddened by a death. But when you are talking about someone who has fought on the front line, and about someone who I remember I once called ‘the most generous leader I have met’, well the pain takes on a whole new dimension.

Chavez “will be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments”.

We came to know a man who expressed a vision to bring profound changes to his country to benefit especially those people who had felt neglected and marginalised.

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.