Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez passed away on Tuesday evening, according to an official announcement conveyed by Vice President Veneuzela.
Chavez previously treated for over a year due to cancer, and several times had surgery in Cuba.
During the treatment process for a few months, Chavez - who was 58 years old - has not been seen in public.
Vice President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro announced the deal, flanked political and military leaders.
Earlier, he said that Chavez had acute respiratory infection and has just entered the "critical period".
In a speech full of emotional, Maduro - with tears - said that Chavez had died at 16:25 pm local time "after battling serious illness for nearly two years."
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"We have received information that a difficult and tragic ... Comandante President Hugo Chavez has died today at 4:25," said Maduro, in a speech broadcast on national television.
While fighting back tears, Maduro asked all Venezuelans to close ranks after the death of their leader.
He said the government has deployed the army and police "to protect the people and ensure peace."
Earlier, Maduro said he had expelled two U.S. diplomats from Venezuela because they conduct espionage against Venezuela's military activities.
Venezuelan military official statement said, would protect the sovereignty, integrity and security of the country.
The leader of the country's armed forces also said they would remain loyal to the vice president, the parliament. They also asked the public to remain calm.
According to the constitution of Venezuela, Venezuelan Congress leader, Diosdado Cabello, will assume the post of president temporarily before the election was held.
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