Outpouring of tributes for Handal

All sectors of Salvadoran society have been giving honor to the memory of Schafik Handal. The National Assembly unanimously voted to declare a three day national period of mourning. Today, Handal's body was transported to the hall of the National Assembly where he had been a legislator and leader of the FMLN contingent. Fellow deputies of all political parties paid their respects to this chief of El Salvador's Left.

Tributes came in from leftist leaders throughout Latin America including Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales and Fidel Castro. I have not seen any comment from the US government, however.

Memorial services will continue through Sunday.