Venezuela receives Russian jets
Pastor Dale Morgan
Venezuela receives Russian jets*
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
CARACAS, Venezuela
Venezuela has received its first two of 24 Sukhoi fighter jets from
Russia, a key component of a hefty arms build up by President Hugo
Chavez's government.
The first two SU-30 jets landed at the Luis Del Valle Garcia naval base
in Barcelona, some 230 kilometers east of Caracas, late Thursday, the
air force press office said.
Russia has become the largest weapons supplier to Venezuela with recent
deals to sell 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles, 24 Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets
and 53 Russian helicopters.
Chavez, who accused the US government of plans to invade his oil-rich
country, has signed military deals with Moscow worth some US$3 billion
(€2.27 billion).
The US government has voiced concern that the sales would upset the
military balance in the region but denies allegations that it plans to
invade or unseat Chavez.
Chavez, who faces re-election Sunday, said that he does not plan any
immediate additional arms purchases.
"I think that for now what we have negotiated is sufficient for this
stage," he said Thursday.
Russia is also helping train Venezuelan air force pilots to fly the
aircraft.