MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Unasur presidents confirm presence at wake ceremony

From Hugo Chavez to Lula da Silva, all have promised to be in Buenos Aires

Several Latin American presidents expressed sorrow for former President Néstor Kirchner's death and pledged to be present in the country for the upcoming wake of the UNASUR Secretary-General.

Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, Ecuador's Rafael Correa, Paraguay's Fernando Lugo, Chile's Sebastian Piñera, Uruguay's Jose Mujica and Colombia's Manuel Santos have already confirmed their assistance. Likewise with Brazilian leader Lula da Silva who sent his condolences to Mrs Kirchner and declared three days of official mourning in Brazil.

Bolivian head of state Evo Morales who was in Teheran participating in bilateral activities and was travelling back to La Paz city had yet to confirm his presence at Buenos Aires.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez showed his deep sorrow for Néstor Kirchner's death and sent President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner his regards via his Twitter account. Chávez said: “Oh, my dear Cristina... So much pain! What a great loss Argentina and America are suffering! Kirchner forever!”

Paraguayan head of state Fernando Lugo expressed his sorrow and addressed the local press: “I'm deeply affected by the loss of a friend and a partner; he had worked so hard for Latin America to be integrated.” Lugo talked with the Paraguayan Ambassador in Buenos Aires and delivered his thoughts on Néstor Kirchner's passing away.

He also expressed his condolences by sending Cristina Fernández de Kirchner a letter, which expressed the neighbouring country's sadness. “Dear President Cristina, I would like to extend my condolences on behalf of Paraguay and Latin America during these testing times for your mind and spirit,” said the text.

“The people of Paraguay manifest their solidarity towards you and your family and the people of Argentina who are part of this delicate time,” said Lugo.

Brazil's president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the news “very sad”. He stated he had been notified of Kirchner's death by the Brazilian Ambassador in Argentina.

Colombian head of state Juan Manuel Santos Calderón said: “This is a great loss for both Argentina and for America.”

In the case of Chile's president, Sebastián Piñera, he pledged to be in Argentina for the wake. “This hurts me in a very personal way, it is a profound loss,” Piñera sentenced, adding that he is to travel to Argentina for the funeral.

Likewise, Uruguyan José “Pepe” Mujica delivered his condolences to “the Argentine people and to the President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.” Mujica announced he was planning to attend the wake. ”I had known him for a little while, but I know he is a strong representative of the Argentine people”.

Ecuador temporarily holds the secretaryship of the Union of South American Nations after its secretary-general Nestor Kirchner died Wednesday, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said on Wednesday.