Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died: Reactions from around the world

Chavez at an electoral event in Charallave, Venezuela, last September (EPA)

It was announced last night that the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died of cancer aged 58. As controversial in death, as he was in life, the news has inspired words from a variety of left- and right-wing commentators, global statesman Hollywood stars and footballers. Here are some of their words:

@MMFlint (Michale Moore): "Hugo Chavez declared the oil belonged 2 the ppl. He used the oil $ 2 eliminate 75% of extreme poverty, provide free health & education 4 all."

@Joey7Barton: Sad to hear of President Chavez's passing... RIP

@CarlBildt: "(Foreign Minister of Sweden): Hugo Chavez was undoubtedly a charismatic and strong leader, but his policies led his country astray with grave economic consequences."

Sean Penn: "Today the people of the United States lost a friend it never knew it had. And poor people around the world lost a champion," The Hollywood Reporter

Oliver Stone: ''I mourn a great hero to the majority of his people and those who struggle throughout the world for a place[...]Hated by the entrenched classes, Hugo Chavez will live forever in history." The Hollywood Reporter

@simon_price01: "RIP Hugo Chavez, an imperfect but, on balance, great man. Long live the Pink Tide, 21st century socialism, the fight against US imperialism."

@benschwartzy: "Hugo Chavez has died. The United States will be represented at the funeral by Dennis Rodman."

@TheRealRoseanne: (Roseanne Barr): "Ruling Classes hated Hugo Chavez. RIP"

@mrmarksteel: "In honour of Hugo Chavez, I suggest we install a government so popular with the masses, there are 3 failed coups against it."

Jimmy Carter: "We hope that as Venezuelans mourn the passing of President Chávez and recall his positive legacies — especially the gains made for the poor and vulnerable — the political leaders will move the country forward by building a new consensus that ensures equal opportunities for all Venezuelans to participate in every aspect of national life."

@GuidoFawkes: "Hyper-inflation in socialist Venezuela resulted in widespread food shortages, over the decade of Chávez rule inflation was over 1,800%"

@OwenJones84: "If you want to know more about Venezuelan human rights beforeHugo Chavez, type 'Caracazo' into google images. With a strong stomach."

@georgegalloway: "Farewell Comandante Hugo Chavez champion of the poor the oppressed everywhere. Modern day Spartacus. Rest in Peace."

@OliverCooper: "Venezuelan tyrant Hugo Chavez is dead. No-one is sad - except George Galloway."

@ken4london (Ken Livingstone): "The best tribute for Hugo Chavez is to redouble our efforts for a world free of exploitation and colonialism RIP."

@frankieboyle: "Hugo Chavez is dead, and the Americans would appear to be in possession of some kind of mad cancer-ray."

@timothy_stanley: "Hugo Chavez dies: socialists might see him as a saint but this charismatic conman was no angel."

Ban Ki-moon (UN secretary-general): "President [Hugo] Chavez spoke to the challenges and aspirations of the most vulnerable Venezuelans."