Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes with sadness the death of Venezuela's president, Mr Hugo Chavez, on 6 March 2013 at the age of 58;
2) further notes that his democratic ascent to the presidency in 1999 ushered in a new era in Venezuelan politics and its international relations;
3) acknowledges that he redirected much of the country's vast oil wealth, which increased dramatically during his tenure, to massive social programmes for the country's poor;
4) further acknowledges that he expanded the portfolio of the state- owned oil monopoly to include funding for social missions worth millions of dollars which helped pay for programmes that sought to eradicate illiteracy, provide affordable food staples and grant access to higher education, among other things;
5) recalls that he will be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments and for his formidable communication skills and personal connection with supporters in his country and abroad to whom he gave hope and empowerment;
6) further recalls that under his leadership, Venezuelan poverty rates were cut in half and millions received identification documents for the first time allowing them to participate more effectively in their country's economic and political life; and
7) extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people of Venezuela.
Agreed to.
