MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Venezuela announces the death of President Hugo Chavez

Vice president Maduro making the official announcement called for national unity

Venezuelan Vice-President Nicolás Maduro announced during a nation-wide transmission that President Hugo Chávez “has died today at 4:25pm.”

Maduro assured that the armed forces are being prepared to accompany and protect the people.

Earlier today, Maduro told the press and the Venezuelan people that the president was undergoing the “most difficult hours” since a Dec. 11 operation, his fourth in less than two years.

The Venezuelan official had confirmed Hugo Chavez is suffering from a “severe” infection that has seriously affected his respiratory system and called to “respect” the president who goes through his “most difficult times” since cancer surgery.

“We have coordinated efforts to guarantee peace and democracy and defeat any national or international factor that seeks to affect our homeland”, Maduro added.

The Vice President had also said the cancer afflicting Hugo Chavez was an “attack” by enemies among a barrage of conspiracies against him throughout his 14-year rule.