Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died at the age of 58 after losing his long battle with cancer.
The country's vice president Nicolas Maduro fought back tears as he announced the death in a national television broadcast.
He said Mr Chavez died at 4.25pm local time "after battling a tough illness for nearly two years".
Mr Maduro also said the army and police had been deployed "to accompany and protect our people and guarantee the peace".
The country's foreign minister Elias Jaua declared seven days of
national mourning and said a wake for Mr Chavez will be held until
Friday, when his official funeral will take place.
President Barack Obama reaffirmed American "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," he added.
