Hundreds pay tribute to former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner after sudden death

[News_Editor]

Hundreds pay tribute to former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner after sudden death

2010-10-29 01:41:57 GMT+7 (ICT)

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (BNO NEWS) -- Hundreds of Argentinians on Thursday paid tribute outside the presidential palace to former President Nestor Kirchner who died on Wednesday due to a sudden heart attack.

Cristina Kirchner, the current president of Argentina and Kirchner's widow, was in the presidential palace mourning her husband. The body of the former president lies in state for public viewing and will be buried later this week in his hometown of Rio Gallegos.

The current Argentine leader arrived to the palace with her son and daughter at around noon. Kirchner stood still and in silence in front of her husband's casket for some minutes until someone interrupted the silence with support expressions.

Long queues were seen outside the presidential palace as hundreds of Argentinians gathered to say goodbye to the former leader. Since 10:00 a.m. local time, many people have paid their respect to Kirchner.

In addition, many South American presidents and leaders, local officials, businessmen and public figures arrived to demonstrate their support towards President Cristina Kirchner and her sons.

The first official to express her condolences to Kirchner was Estela de Carloto, the head of "Abuelas de Mayo," an organization that supports elder women. After noon, a convoy of presidents arrived, Evo Morales of Bolivia, Rafael Correa of Ecuador, Jose Mujica of Uruguay, and Sebastian Piñera of Chile.

Former soccer star and coach of the Argentine National Team, Diego Maradona, also attended the solemn ceremony and called for unity and support to President Kirchner during these hard times.

Former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner died of a heart attack on Wednesday. He was 60 years old. He was rushed to Jose Formenti hospital in El Calafate, a town in the Patagonia region of Argentina, on early Wednesday morning after complaining of chest pain.

Kirchner, a national lawmaker, husband and top adviser of current President Cristina Fernandez, was one of the most influential politicians in the country and a potential presidential candidate for elections in October next year.

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