Thursday, September 18, 2008

Report: Russia May Sell Venezuela More Arms

Report: Russia May Sell Venezuela More Arms (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - September 19, 2008: Russia plans to sell Venezuela anti-aircraft systems, armored personnel carriers and fighter jets, the head of a Russian state industrial corporation was quoted as saying Sept. 18. Russia and Venezuela "are holding talks on the supply of anti-aircraft systems, modern armored cars including BMP-3 armored personnel carriers," Sergei Chemezov, head of Russian Technologies, told the Kommersant daily. Chemezov, whose corporation oversees Russian arms exports, said Venezuela was also interested in buying Su-35 fighter jets which are due to be produced beginning in 2010. Referring to a visit by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin to Cuba and Venezuela this week, Kommersant said the three countries were discussing "alliance relations" as a rebuff to U.S. policies in the former Soviet Union. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said he will visit Moscow next week. The countries boosted military ties last week, when two Russian bombers landed in the South American country. Officials also are announcing plans for joint naval exercises. Venezuela has already bought Russian fighter jets, tanks and assault rifles.

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