Week of mourning for Chavez called

Venezuela has declared seven days of national mourning for its deceased President Hugo Chavez, who died on Tuesday night at 58 of complications following difficult cancer surgery.
The funeral is scheduled for Friday.

People are venting their grief in the streets, and condolences from world leaders are pouring in.

President Vladimir Putin has described Chavez as a forward-looking strong leader who also knew how to meet difficult challenges. He also said the late Venezuelan President was a great friend of Russia, Interfax reported.