EL UNIVERSAL

President Hugo Chávez denied reports that Venezuela had signed military agreements with Russia totaling USD 30 billion, a figure reported by the Russian news agency Interfax.

However, the Venezuelan Head of State underlined that Russia would "continue to supply components for Venezuelan defense systems."

Although Venezuela is "a peaceful country, we are threatened by the United States," Chávez stressed. "They are plotting to invade our country," the Venezuelan leader added. 

"We are reviewing the figures (related to the purchase of weapons)," Chávez said. "We will advance progressively and according to our possibilities. We are working on funding [...] Cooperation continues at full speed," said the Venezuelan president in a press conference held during his visit to Russia on Tuesday. The news conference was broadcasted live by Venezuelan state official TV network, Venezolana de Televisión (VTV).

Chávez said that rearmament of the Venezuelan Armed Forces was under way. The Venezuelan President said that during his visit to Russia "military cooperation was fully revised." "We are closing the cycle of the Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. Now we are working to have a comprehensive anti-aircraft defense system."

Rosoboronexport, Russia's state-owned arms dealer, announced on Tuesday that Chávez was to sign a framework agreement to buy military equipment. "This agreement will ensure the supply of weapons to meet Venezuelan defense needs, from an operational point of view and according to the international obligations and laws of both countries," said Vyacheslav Davidenko, a spokesman for Rosoboronexport, Russia's government agency in charge of arms exports, Interfax reported.

Chávez reiterated his criticism against the US Navy Fourth Fleet and said that unlike the US military forces, Russian troops would be welcome in the region. "Russia has a great capacity to mobilize ships and aircrafts [...] It would not be strange that they would appear in Venezuela or that they visit Asia, Africa or the Caribbean seas. If Russian armed forces would like to come to Venezuela, they will be welcome warmly, because they are not the US Fourth Fleet, which embodies are a real threat for our interests."

"If a Russian fleet arrives in the Caribbean, we will raise flags, beat drums, sing our anthems and sing songs," he said. "We will act that way because they are our allies. We share similar views," Chávez insisted.  

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas