Dilma Mourns Death of Chávez, But Distances Herself From His Policies

According to an article in MercoPress, Dilma was deeply upset by the death of Hugo Chávez. She shares Chávez's compassion for the poor, but also went to some lengths to distance her government from some of Chávez's more controversial positions. 

Compared to Venezuela under Chávez, Brazil has been more friendly to private business and has been far less confrontational in its foreign policy, particularly in its relations with the US. Chávez had openly taunted and defied the US government and his death was met with a muted response from President Obama.

Dilma and former President Lula both flew to Caracas to pay their respects to President Chávez, but they left before an official funeral ceremony on Friday. The speculation is that they didn't want to be present when Iran's President Ahmadinejad arrived. 

Source: Brazil Portal, MercoPress