• Rate this Story
  • 0
  • 0

By Gopi Chandra Kharel | March 8, 2013 7:21 PM EST

Supporters of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will be able to see the remains of the "revolutionary" leader locked in a "glass urn."

Nicolas Maduro, the acting president of the bereaved country, made an announcement Thursday that the remains of Chavez would be embalmed "for eternal display."

Comparing the late president to other leaders of the world who have been immortalized in museum displays, Maduro said that the leader's body would be embalmed to be displayed forever at the Museum of the Revolution (Military History Museum), which he referred to as his first "resting place."

Thousands of mourners waited for as long as ten hours to see the body of the late president in Caracas.

Leaders Gather for State Funeral

Leaders from across the world and the Americas have gathered in Venezuela for the state funeral of Chavez, to be held Friday.

More than 30 head of states are expected to arrive to honor Chavez in his funeral, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Cuban President Raul Castro and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, BBC has reported.

From the U.S., Congressman Gregory Meeks and former Congressman William Delahant will attend the funeral of the socialist leader who has always remained a fierce critic and advisory to Washington's foreign policy.

Maduro will be formally sworn in as an acting president Friday although he will need to call an election within 30 days.

President Chavez died of Cancer Tuesday at the age of 58.

Click here to see some pictures associated with Chavez.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail:

To contact the editor, e-mail:

(Photo: / )
Supporters of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez react as they view his coffin during a wake at the military academy in Caracas (Reuters)
  • Rate this Story
  • 0
  • 0
This article is copyrighted by IBTimes.ca, the business news leader

Join the Conversation

IBTimes TV

E-Newsletters

We value your privacy. Your email address will not be shared.