Hugo Chavez is Dead--His Country Weeps

President Hugo Chavez is dead

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is dead, says the vice president of the country, Nicolas Maduro. Chavez was 58 years old. 

Maduro announced the death in a speech on Venezuelan television 

- We've got the worst and most tragic the message. Chávez had finally succumbed to cancer the disease that afflicts him two years ago, said Maduro, among other things.

The Venezuelan president died at 16.25 local time 

 he was admitted to a military hospital in Caracas when he died.

Shops and restaurants across the country shut after it became known that the President was dead. 

- I am so sad that I can not talk, said Yamilina Barrios (39) with a face full of tears.

- He was the best this country had. I adore him.

Maduro asked people to gather at Bolivar Square, named after the man who saw Chávez say he was a great source of inspiration. He also wished that the opposition should respect the "people's pain."

Breathing Problem

His condition  became progressively worse the last few days, and he has had major problems with breathing. Meanwhile  the doctors started a new round of intense chemotherapy.

Chavez has not been shown publicly after he came home from treatment in Cuba in mid-February. It was  never disclosed what kind of cancer he was hit by.

He is known for his hostile attitude to the U.S., and he said early in the disease period that it was the U.S. that had given him cancer. This was taken up again by the Vice President on Venezuelan television earlier today.

Army on alert

Meanwhile Nicolas Maduro Vice President made it clear that it had expelled two U.S. diplomats because they had participated in a conspiracy against the government of Venezuela.

The Venezuelan army is seen in the highest readiness in conjunction with the president's death, soldiers and police have deployed on the streets in the capital and other major cities. Maduro said in television speech that this is done to protect the people and to secure peace in the country.

The leadership of the military branches of the country  will support the Vice President Nicolas Maduro and live by the Constitution.

Chavez has made ​​it clear that he wanted Maduro should follow after him as president.