E.U. Praises Chavez for Social Programs

President of the European commission says, "Venezuela has stood out for its social development and for its contribution to South America's regional integration"

BRUSSELS, March 6 (UPI) -- The president of the European Commission said Venezuela under Hugo Chavez stood out for its contribution to social development.

Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro announced that Chavez, 58, died Tuesday after a long bout with cancer.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso relayed condolences in a personal message to Maduro.