U.S. President Barack Obama reaffirmed on Tuesday Washington's interest in developing a " constructive" relationship with the Venezuelan government, as the South American country's President Hugo Chavez just died of cancer.

"At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez' s passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.

Calling the post-Chavez era as "a new chapter" in Venezuela's history, Obama vowed to remain committed to policies that "promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights" in the South American country.

Chavez died Tuesday in a military hospital in Caracas, his Vice President Nicols Maduro announced on the national radio and television.

Chavez has been in power for 14 years. He was re-elected to a third six-year term last October, but could not be sworn in as scheduled on Jan. 10 due to his serious health problems.

After seeking medical treatment for 70 days in Cuba, he returned home on Feb. 18. Since then, he had stayed in the Caracas military hospital.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)