New Russian short-range missiles for Venezuela

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez announced that the country will soon take delivery of the first batch of Russian short-range missiles with a range of approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles).

Just arriving home from an around the globe trip, including a visit to Russia, Chavez said on Sunday to journalists that this weapons deal has already been fixed. Another deal including some 100 Russian T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks (MBT) valued at about $500 million is planned, the president said.

Chevez did not give any details on the number of the missiles, however clarified that the missiles are strictly meant for defensive purposes. "We are not going to attack anybody, these are just defence tools, because we are going to defend our country from any threat, wherever it may come from," he said.

Venezuela is involved in a long-running diplomatic stand-off with its neighbour Colombia over the latter's plans to allow US troops greater access to its military bases. Colombia says the US forces will help in the war against drugs and left-wing guerrillas and will not destabilise the region.

Since Washington barred Caracas from buying US defence equipment, Venezuela spent over $4 billion on Russian weapons in recent years including 24 Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, dozens of helicopters and 100,000 AK assault rifles.

By Luca Bonsignore, Publisher

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