President Laura Chinchilla sent her condolences to the Venezuelan people and the family of Hugo Chávez in a message posted on Casa Presidencial’s website and social networks.
“The government of Costa Rica has received with regret the news of the death of the constitutional president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Commander Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías. We extend to the family of President Hugo Chávez, the government and the Venezuelan people our solidarity and understanding at this time,” Chinchilla said.
In the Legislative Assembly, lawmakers approved by 31 votes in favor and 8 against the observation of a minute of silence following Chávez’s death on Tuesday afternoon. Moments before the vote, Broad Front Party top lawmaker José María Villalta accused various of his colleagues of attempting to boycott the vote by breaking quorum. In the end, the vote passed.
Foreign Minister Enrique Castillo also sent condolences, saying Chávez was “a leader who was able to maintain good communication with most of his people.” Castillo added that it is unlikely that Chinchilla will attend Chávez’s funeral.
The Venezuelan Embassy in San José was closed as soon as the news of Chavez’s death was made public, and the flag of that country is at half-mast as a symbol of mourning.
