CARACAS
A state funeral ceremony was held for Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez in Caracas with the participation of leaders from nearly 30 countries around the world.
Venezuelans watched the ceremony on giant screens waiting outside the Military Academy, bursting into tears for their former leader, who passed away on Tuesday after a two-year struggle with cancer.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay on Friday attended the funeral ceremony of Venezuela's late president, Hugo Chavez, in Caracas.
Representing Turkey at the funeral, Atalay expressed sadness and conveyed condolences during a brief meeting with Venezuela's acting president, Nicolas Maduro.
Prior to the funeral ceremony, Atalay had briefly talked with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bolivia's President Evo Morales, Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega, and with Uruguay's President Jose Mujica.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maduro pledged to continue "Chavez's political mission and remain loyal to his legacy."
