Chavez memorial set for Friday; Washington reaches out to Venezuelans
(03-06 09:10)
The body of late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez will lie in state for three days at a military academy from today until a memorial service with foreign leaders on Friday.
Declaring seven days of national mourning, Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said the official ceremony would be held on Friday morning, but that the burial site had yet to be decided.
Hundreds of anguished Venezuelans poured into the streets of downtown Caracas crying, hugging each other and shouting slogans in support of President Hugo Chavez after learning of his death yesterday.
Meanwhile, Washington said it looks to a constructive relationship with Caracas.
US President Barack Obama said: “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.’’
Clusters of women in tears clung to each other and wept near the Miraflores presidential palace. Some wore T-shirts with slogans that read “Go forward commander!’’
AP reports that nearby, men with grim and somber faces pumped their arms in the air while shouting “Long live Chavez! Long live Chavismo!’’
People also gathered outside the military hospital where Chavez died. Soldiers in riot gear stood shoulder to shoulder guarding the complex.
“I feel such big pain I can't even speak,’’ said Yamilina Barrios, a 39-year-old office worker weeping at a street corner. “He was the best thing the country had ... I adore him. Let's hope the country calms down and we can continue the tasks he left us.’’
Many people left work and rushed home as shops and offices began to close early and tension gripped the streets in Caracas, capital of a country deeply divided by the socialist programs pursued by the charismatic Chavez.
Cars and buses clogged streets that were passable only by speeding motorcycles. Dozens of extra police officers arrived downtown to help direct traffic and watch the streets.
“I want to go home,’’ said Maria Lover, a 45-year-old housewife. “People are crazy and get too desperate.’’
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