As he offered condolences to Venezuelan Vice President, Syrian Leader Bashar al-Assad stressed that the departure of President Hugo Chavez is a big loss.

As he offered condolences to Venezuelan Vice President, Syrian Leader Bashar al-Assad stressed that the departure of President Hugo Chavez is a big loss.

In a cable of condolence to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, President Assad said: “the passing of brother and friend, President Hugo Chavez is a big loss for me and for the Syrian people as it is a big loss for you the Venezuelan people and for all honest, free people in the world."

"Fate has taken away a leader who protected the sovereignty of his country.. He had symbolized a legendary struggle against US’ attempts, and those who support it, to dominate the people and states.”

“He has been able to guarantee Venezuela sovereignty, prevent intervention and support the freedom of nations as to contribute to change the face of Latin America and to become the symbol of its independence," President al-Assad added in the cable, according to state news agency, SANA.

“The great late President made the confrontation of war on Syria as one of the issues that he adopted and defended as well as sought to clarify it to the public opinion in Latin America and the world.”

"The memory of this unique leader will remain present in our conscience, history. He had enough glory of his great achievements that will remain alive in the conscience of Venezuela's people and the world free people,” President Assad concluded.