The Union of South American Nations ( Unasur) chief Ali Rodriguez Araque Wednesday hailed Hugo Chavez, the late president of Venezuela, as a great promoter of Latin American integration.

The Venezuelan diplomat made the remarks in Caracas's Military Hospital Dr. Carlos Arvelos where Chave passed away Tuesday at 4: 25 pm after a long battle against cancer.

"Every time Chavez played a principled role in the management of state and foreign policy of Venezuela," with the flexibility to maintain a respectful relationship with all nations, said the Unasur general secretary.

Araque's statement came as hundreds of supporters of Chavez concentrated around the center to accompany the coffin through the streets of Caracas to the Military Academy, where the funeral will be held.

Chavez will not only be remembered as the promoter of Latin American integration, but also the leader who "recovered the dignity of Venezuela, to feel proud to be Venezuelan," he added.

The diplomat confirmed that the governments of Cuba, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia and Iran decreed days of mourning in their respective countries, in honor of President Chavez.

Nicaragua, Colombia, Mexico, Ireland, Guatemala, Portugal and Spain also sent official statements of condolences to the Venezuelan people, he said.

Venezuela declared seven days of national mourning for the death of President Chavez. Endi