Former Argentine president Kirchner to be buried in his hometown

Former Argentine president Kirchner to be buried in his hometown

2010-10-30 03:05:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (BNO NEWS) -- Former Argentine president Nestor Kirchner on Friday will be buried in his hometown of Rio Gallegos in southern Argentine as thousands gather in the streets to give the last farewell to the former leader.

The funeral procession, led by Kirchner's widow and current president Cristina Fernandez, left from the presidential palace and headed to the Jorge Newberry airport. During the procession, the people expressed their support towards Fernandez and chanted the former president's name.

Many of the people in the streets also called for the re-election of President Fernandez in the upcoming 2011 presidential elections. Former leader Kirchner allegedly planned to run for the presidency in next year's electoral process.

The body of the Argentine leader was flown to Rio Gallegos where he will be buried later on Friday. The Rio Gallegos cemetery was closed overnight and vehicles are not allowed to transit in the 100 meters surrounding the graveyard.

Nestor Kirchner died on Wednesday due to a sudden heart attack. He was a national lawmaker and top adviser of current President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. He was one of the most influential politicians in the country.

On Thursday, hundreds of Argentinians paid tribute outside the presidential palace as Kirchner's body lay in state for public viewing. Long queues were seen outside the presidential palace as hundreds of Argentinians gathered to give a final farewell to the former leader.

In addition, many South American presidents and leaders, local officials, businessmen and public figures arrived to demonstrate their support towards President Cristina Fernandez and her sons. Among the visitors were presidents Evo Morales of Bolivia, Rafael Correa of Ecuador, Jose Mujica of Uruguay, and Sebastian Piñera of Chile.

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