A state funeral was held Friday for Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer complications at the age of 58, dpa reported. Leaders from around the world including presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, Raul Castro of Cuba and Enrique Pena Nieto of Mexico took turns to keep brief watches over the casket at the Military Academy. The Simon Bolivar Symphonic Orchestra, led by Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, opened the ceremony with the national anthem. Chavez's vice president and hand-picked successor Nicolas Maduro presided over the funeral. -- SPA 20:25 LOCAL TIME 17:25 GMT تغريد