PM condoles demise of Chavez

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today paid rich tributes to late Venezuela President Hugo Chavez saying he was a "charismatic leader who leaves behind a legacy of striving for social justice".

Singh said President Chavez had made a tremendous contribution to the development of closer relations among the countries of the developing world.

"We are grateful for his personal efforts in strengthening relations between India and Venezuela and will continue to work towards even closer relations with the friendly people of Venezuela," he said.

"Venezuela has lost a charismatic and immensely popular leader in President Chavez who leaves behind an enduring legacy of striving for social justice."

He said "the people of India join me in conveying our heartfelt condolence to his (Chavez's) family and to the government and people of Venezuela. India stands in solidarity with Venezuela in its hour of grief," Singh said in his condolence message.