In Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez read a congratulatory note from Cuban President Fidel Castro Tuesday on Chavez’s win in the Venezuelan elections.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez: “'Your victory was like something seen on few occasions, overwhelming and without parallels in the history of our America. The oppressed people of the world will always appreciate the strategy and courage that you used to win this difficult battle of ideas. Your political achievement and the people of Venezuela have moved the world. The Cubans are happy. A big hug, Fidel Castro.' Gracias, Fidel.”

Chavez won with 63 percent of the vote. It was his highest victory share to date and the most in any Latin American election over the past year.