Argentina's longest road could bear Kirchner's name

Buenos Aires, Agency
A ruling party senator presented a bill Tuesday to name Argentina's longest highway for former President Nestor Kirchner, who died last week of a heart attack.

The road now known as Route 40 extends 5,224 kilometers (3,246 miles) from Cabo Virgenes in the southern province of Santa Cruz to La Quiaca, which sits on Argentina's northwestern border with Bolivia.

"Kirchner's actions transcend the moment because they cross time, eras and borders," according to the text of the bill submitted by Sen. Cesar Gioja, who was apparently referring to the late head of state's role in promoting regional cooperation in South America.

Kirchner, a combative and often controversial figure who governed Argentina from 2003-2007, died suddenly last Wednesday in El Calafate, Santa Cruz, his native province. His wife, current President Cristina Fernandez, was at his side.