The death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has inspired many tributes and expressions of hope for the Venezuelan people.
Some of the late president's closest allies -- Bolivian President Evo Morales, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez and Uruguayan President Jose Mujica -- arrived in Venezuela Wednesday, several days ahead of the leftist leader's state funeral set for Friday.
After learning of Chavez's death, a tearful President Morales had said that the late president would continue to be an inspiration for people who fight for their liberation.
Meanwhile at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the U.N. Security Council held a moment of silence to honor Chavez's memory. Earlier, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon had offered his condolences to the Venezuelan people.
Another close ally of the Chavez government, Cuba, is observing two days of mourning with flags flown at half-staff. A statement from the government said the Cuban people considered him one of their "most outstanding sons."
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also offered his condolences and said he may attend Friday's funeral. China called Chavez "a great leader and great friend of the Chinese people."
The U.S. Obama administration, often the target of Chavez's criticism, was cautious in its response, releasing a statement expressing support for the Venezuelan people and interest in "developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government."
In the largely Venezuelan community of Doral in the Florida city of Miami, many people who left Venezuela while Chavez was in power took to the streets to celebrate his passing. Some expressed hope that the problems they left behind -- crime, corruption, and a poor economy -- would finally begin to improve.
Hugo Chavez Dead at 58
1/15Hugo Chavez with his daughters, Maria Gabriela, left, and Rosa Virginia at an unknown location in Havana, Cuba, February 14, 2013.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
2/15Hugo Chavez speaks at the Plaza Caracas, Feburary 4, 1998 during celebrations for the anniverary of the 1992 Venezuelan coup.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
3/15Chavez waves to the crowd after announcing his candidacy for the presidency in downtown Caracas Plaza, Venezuela, July 29, 1997.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
4/15President Barack Obama shakes hands with Chavez before the opening session of the 5th Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, April 17, 2009.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
5/15Cuba's Fidel Castro, right, and Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez embrace in La Orchila island, Venezuela, December 22, 2003.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
6/15This picture released by Cuba's state newspaper Granma shows Cuba's President Raul Castro meeting Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at the Jose Marti International airport in Havana, Cuba, December 10, 2012.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
7/15Hugo Chavez holds a microphone under pouring rain during his closing campaign rally in Caracas, October 4, 2012.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
8/15Chavez attends a special session at the National Assembly commemorating the country's Independence Day, in Caracas, Venezuela, July 5, 2012.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
9/15Hugo Chavez, center, Aristobulo Izturi, left, and Pablo Medina appear at a Caracas rally Friday, April 24, 1998.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
10/15Chavez runs the bases after hiting a double during an exhibition softball game in Caracas, February 11, 2010.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
11/15Supporters of Chavez pray for the ailing president at the military hospital's chapel in Caracas, March 5, 2013.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
12/15A woman carries an image of Chavez before a mass in support of him in Havana, Cuba, December 13, 2012.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
13/15Chavez, left, speaks with an electoral worker at a polling station before casting his ballot for the presidential election in Caracas, October 7, 2012.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
14/15Chavez greets supporters during his caravan from Miraflores presidential palace to the airport in Caracas, February 24, 2012.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
15/15Chavez shares a moment with his daughter Rosa as he attends a concert in his honor at the Teresa Carreno theater in Caracas, February 23, 2012.
Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
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