Chavez in Russian arms factory deal
By Adrian Blomfield in Moscow
(Filed: 01/06/2006)
Weeks after a US ban on weapon sales to Venezuela, Russia has agreed to build arms factories for President Hugo Chavez's Leftist government - a move likely to further sour relations between the White House and the Kremlin.
Though sharp differences have emerged over a wide range of foreign policy issues, the United States is likely to be particularly incensed because it regards the South American nation as being in its sphere of influence.
Hugo Chavez wants to buy Russian fighter jets
President Chavez - famed for his colourful attacks on George W Bush - revelled in America's discomfort. "The Russians are going to install a Kalashnikov rifle plant and a munitions factory so we can defend every street, every hill, every corner," he said.
"The United States is failing in its attempts to blockade us, to disarm us."
Washington announced the ban earlier this month ostensibly because of concern over the president's ties with Iran and Cuba and his alleged inaction against guerrillas in neighbouring Colombia.
Mr Chavez, who visited Britain earlier this month, has whipped up public opinion with repeated declarations that the United States is planning to invade.
The Russian state's official arms exporter, Rosoboron-export confirmed that talks were taking place with the Venezuelan government, but would not give details about the factories' production capacity or when they would be built.
Last year Russia was criticised by the White House when it signed a contract to supply Venezuela with 100,000 Kalashnikovs. The first shipment is due to arrive later this month.
Mr Chavez, who has accused the United States of being behind an attempted coup four years ago, also wants to buy Russian fighter jets and helicopters as part of an ambitious military modernization programme funded by Venezuela's vast oil profits.
Close allies in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Vladimir Putin and President Bush have fallen out over Russia's retreat from democratic principles and US support for the revolutions that toppled pro-Moscow regimes in Ukraine and Georgia.
