Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Russia in talks to sell Venezuela more arms: report


Russia plans to sell Venezuela anti-aircraft systems, armoured personnel carriers and fighter jets, the head of a Russian state industrial corporation was quoted as saying on Thursday.

Russia and Venezuela "are holding talks on the supply of anti-aircraft systems, modern armoured cars including BMP-3 armoured personnel carriers," Sergei Chemezov, head of Russian Technologies, told the Kommersant daily.

Chemezov, a close ally of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin whose corporation oversees Russian arms exports, said Venezuela was also interested in buying Su-35 fighter jets which are due to start being produced 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 US policies in the former Soviet Union.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said he will visit Moscow next week after the countries boosted military ties with two Russian bombers landing in the South American country and officials announcing plans for joint naval exercises.

Venezuela has already bought Russian fighter jets, tanks and assault rifles.

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