The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon today sent his "heartfelt condolences" to the people and government of Venezuela after learning of the death of President Hugo Chavez.The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon today sent his "heartfelt condolences" to the people and government of Venezuela after learning of the death of President Hugo Chavez.

"This is the first news I have and although later I will make a formal declaration want to send my heartfelt condolences to the family of President Chavez, and to the people and government of Venezuela," Ban told reporters at UN headquarters .

President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, died today in Caracas nearly three months after surgery for the fourth time of cancer on Dec. 11 in Havana, said the vice president, Nicolas Maduro.

"At 1625 local time (20.55 GMT) today has died March 5 Commander President Hugo Chavez, "the Venezuelan vice visibly affected by the radio and television.