Venezuela to sign Russian arms deal

[FranKieC]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americ....ap/index.html

Venezuela's Chavez to sign Russia arms deal

Wednesday, July 26, 2006; Posted: 11:06 a.m. EDT (15:06 GMT)

chavez.story.jpg
"We are breaking the U.S. blockade, " said Venezuela President Hugo Chavez on his arms deal with Russia


MOSCOW, Russian (AP) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday that his oil-rich nation will sign major arms deals in Moscow to acquire Russian fighter jets and produce Kalashnikov assault rifles, as Russia shrugged off U.S. criticism of the weapons sales.

On a visit to the city of Izhevsk, where Kalashnikovs are made, Chavez said contracts to buy Su-30 jets and set up Kalashnikov rifle and ammunition plants in Venezuela would be signed in Moscow on Thursday, the Interfax news agency reported.

"We are breaking the U.S. blockade that was aimed at disarming Venezuela," Chavez said in separate comments broadcast on state-run television in Venezuela.

"We are not going to attack anyone, but nobody should make a mistake with us, especially the U.S. empire that wants to dominate the world with cannons and bombs," he said.

Chavez, who has become a thorn in Washington's side with his anti-U.S. policies, is to sign a more than $1 billion (euro790 million) deal for about 30 Su-30 fighter jets and 30 helicopters, the Russian defense minister said last week.

The United States underlined its opposition to the sale Tuesday and urged Moscow to reconsider the contracts.

U.S. State Department spokesman Tom Casey said the arms purchases exceeded Venezuela's defensive needs and "are not helpful in terms of regional stability."

But Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov tersely dismissed the U.S. demands that Moscow annul the contracts, saying that "re-examining the contracts is absolutely excluded," news agencies reported. The Foreign Ministry had said Monday that Russia's military cooperation with Venezuela was "in strict compliance" with its international obligations.

Chavez, a leftist former army lieutenant colonel who has frequently warned that the United States could invade to seize control of his country's rich oil and natural gas reserves, arrived in Russia Tuesday for a three-day visit in which the highlight will be the signature of the arms deals.

He has used surging oil revenues to modernize Venezuela's military, signing multibillion-dollar defense deals with Russia and Spain. Venezuela earlier agreed to buy 100,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles and wants to set up factories to produce them under license.

Chavez has courted foes and critics of Washington in what he calls an effort to create a global counterbalance to U.S. domination. He has crafted a socialist trade block with Cuba and Bolivia, signed a series of deals with Iran and supported North Korea's right to test-fire missiles.

The Venezuelan leader arrived from neighboring Belarus, where he met with authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, a leader -- dubbed "Europe's last dictator" in Washington and European capitals -- who shares his strong anti-U.S. views.

Chavez, who is on a major international tour that will later take him to visit Qatar, Iran and Mali, is also seeking support for a non-permanent U.N. Security Council seat.

The U.S. government is lobbying to block Venezuela's bid for a seat, backing Guatemala instead. The General Assembly will decide the issue in a secret ballot in October.

Chavez had planned to travel to North Korea, but later took it off his itinerary.

[Teabagger]

In one sense, who cares...he's still a bannana republic quasi dictator that does not threaten the US, only his neighbors. As for Russia...screw them too. They are not allies, never have been and never will. Shut off US aid to Russia, screw'em.

[FranKieC]

As for Russia...screw them too. They are not allies, never have been and never will. Shut off US aid to Russia, screw'em.

thats how I feel too

[Logan13]

This is more serious when you think out about 10 - 20 years guys. Venezuella with a fleet of jets, N.Korea and Iran with nukes, the Middle east in turmoil. Pretty soon, Venezuella will be attempting to get nukes as well. It would not suprise me if there were another "Cuban missles crisis" in our future and Russia was the driving force behind it again. They are still bitter about the Cold war afterall, and the US has plenty of enemies out there.

[FranKieC]

This is more serious when you think out about 10 - 20 years guys. Venezuella with a fleet of jets, N.Korea and Iran with nukes, the Middle east in turmoil. Pretty soon, Venezuella will be attempting to get nukes as well. It would not suprise me if there were another "Cuban missles crisis" in our future and Russia was the driving force behind it again. They are still bitter about the Cold war afterall, and the US has plenty of enemies out there.

I do not fear an air war with any other nation because we have the best pilots and jets in the world and with the addition of the raptor it we will maintain air superiority. I do however fear these nations getting nukes and Russia backing them secretly.

[Phreak101]

Hog shit...I'd like to see his head in crosshairs...

[Rider]

In one sense, who cares...he's still a bannana republic quasi dictator that does not threaten the US, only his neighbors. As for Russia...screw them too. They are not allies, never have been and never will. Shut off US aid to Russia, screw'em.

With an avatar like this I would shut my mouth before I say anything about dictators or else...what is really your problem about Venezuela and Russia?

[FranKieC]

With an avatar like this I would shut my mouth before I say anything about dictators or else...what is really your problem about Venezuela and Russia?

Russia is shady plain and simple.

Instead of trying to create stability in the world they do shit like this and push their secret agenda

[Phreak101]

Russia is shady plain and simple.

Instead of trying to create stability in the world they do shit like this and push their secret agenda

Agreed, Russia is just biding it's time, 20 years ago it was one of the most powerful nations on earth, I don't think they have any problems with disrupting the U.S.'s dominance as a superpower, China as well for that matter.

[FranKieC]

Agreed, Russia is just biding it's time, 20 years ago it was one of the most powerful nations on earth, I don't think they have any problems with disrupting the U.S.'s dominance as a superpower, China as well for that matter.

Two sneaky ass nations that always seem to agree on shit hmmmmmm

[Rider]

Russia is shady plain and simple.

Instead of trying to create stability in the world they do shit like this and push their secret agenda

two questions...
1)US does not push their own agenda?
2)US is a factor of stability?

[FranKieC]

US does not push their own agenda?

Is the US selling arms to nations that oppose Russia?

[FranKieC]

And I said "Is" not "was"

[Rider]

Is the US selling arms to nations that oppose Russia?

US selling arms to Israelis and also some other aggressive nations all over the world!

[Rider]

And I said "Is" not "was"

pls cut the crap English is not my native language, wanna make a conversation in Greek?

[FranKieC]

US selling arms to Israelis and also some other aggressive nations all over the world!

Not to change topic of this thread but why is Isreal aggressive? Because Hezbullah kidnapped their soldiers and they demanded them back?

Russia selling to Venazuela knowing that they are anti-US. Russia is still irratated about the cold war and yes they have a secret agenda. How would you feel to be one of the worlds most powerful nations and then have everything fall apart?

[FranKieC]

pls cut the crap English is not my native language, wanna make a conversation in Greek?

I didn't say that as an insult I was referring to when we sold the afghanies arms when they were at war with russia.

[Teabagger]

With an avatar like this I would shut my mouth before I say anything about dictators or else...what is really your problem about Venezuela and Russia?

You mean the Israeli flag as my avatar? I don't get your meaning. Do you have a problem with Israel, or Jews, or both maybe?

As far as my problem with Russia...they are more screwed up than a soup sandwich. Missing nukes, missing uranium,..the whole government is corrupt, its a way of life. They should not have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council any longer because they are now a third rate power that Uganda could probably beat in a fight.

As far as that screeching Chavez...well...the US has taken care of problems like him before...and can again.

Last thing newbie...don't ever tell me to shut my mouth.

[Phreak101]

US selling arms to Israelis and also some other aggressive nations all over the world!

Explain to me how Israel is aggressive...

[Rider]

I didn't say that as an insult I was referring to when we sold the afghanies arms when they were at war with russia.

Then I apologize for that

[Rider]

You mean the Israeli flag as my avatar? I don't get your meaning. Do you have a problem with Israel, or Jews, or both maybe?

As far as my problem with Russia...they are more screwed up than a soup sandwich. Missing nukes, missing uranium,..the whole government is corrupt, its a way of life. They should not have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council any longer because they are now a third rate power that Uganda could probably beat in a fight.

As far as that screeching Chavez...well...the US has taken care of problems like him before...and can again.

Last thing newbie...don't ever tell me to shut my mouth.

In fact man I have a small problem with Jews yea! and wanna know what it is? It is that Israel is for sure nation of aggression from the beggining...why Israel has the right to be as a free country and Palestinians does not? elaborate on this

[FranKieC]

Explain to me how Israel is aggressive...

That's what I am curious about. Israel is one of the least aggressive nations in the world. I think he need to get back to history 101

[FranKieC]

Then I apologize for that

Accepted

[Teabagger]

Every aggressive action taken by Israel has been in response to an attack/invasion by arab states or their surrogates. If Israel truly was an aggressive nation...it would have occupied and colonized Egypt, Jordan, and Syria after they kicked their assess on the battle field three times within the past 50 years. Peace has been offered too many times too count and the Pals and other arab wanks always slap it away in favor of continued terrorist attacks.

[Rider]

do not worry at all ,I know a lot about history...Do u know what happened back in the late 40's? Tell me something where was Israel before 1948? and tell me how they managed at the end to built the country? by all means necessary I guess! they attacked these Arabs and by force they did what they did...

[Rider]

Every aggressive action taken by Israel has been in response to an attack/invasion by arab states or their surrogates. If Israel truly was an aggressive nation...it would have occupied and colonized Egypt, Jordan, and Syria after they kicked their assess on the battle field three times within the past 50 years. Peace has been offered too many times too count and the Pals and other arab wanks always slap it away in favor of continued terrorist attacks.

sorry this is your truth and only! that is not the case...Arabs have their rights too remember that.

[Phreak101]

In fact man I have a small problem with Jews yea! and wanna know what it is? It is that Israel is for sure nation of aggression from the beggining...why Israel has the right to be as a free country and Palestinians does not? elaborate on this

Because Israel IS a nation. There is no Palestine, it is still an idea. If ANY of the Arab nations around Israel were willing to give up about 100 square miles of their land, there could a be a Palestine. But Allah forbid it, Palestine MUST exist where Israel does!!

these are the kinds of problems that start when you allow fundamentalist religious dictators to become politicians as well. Rotating the future and politics of a country around it's relgion is a surefire way to unrest and conflict. Just ask Lebanon...

[Teabagger]

do not worry at all ,I know a lot about history...Do u know what happened back in the late 40's? Tell me something where was Israel before 1948? and tell me how they managed at the end to built the country? by all means necessary I guess! they attacked these Arabs and by force they did what they did...

You guess wrong...you obviously are not from Greece, and obviously are not Christian, but wherever you are from you need to gain access to some history written by unbiased historians, or at least check the archives of newspapers...

[Rider]

You guess wrong...you obviously are not from Greece, and obviously are not Christian, but wherever you are from you need to gain access to some history written by unbiased historians, or at least check the archives of newspapers...

I cannot prove u that but one thing is true I AM GREEK and I AM CHRISTIAN, that is a fact!

[Phreak101]

do not worry at all ,I know a lot about history...Do u know what happened back in the late 40's? Tell me something where was Israel before 1948? and tell me how they managed at the end to built the country? by all means necessary I guess! they attacked these Arabs and by force they did what they did...

This is not true at all, why do people make statements when they have no idea what they are talking about?

The Leaugue of Nations formed Israel after WW2 so the Jews would have a homeland after the Holocaust. You honestly think in 1948 that the Jews had enough manpower, money, weaponry, etc to launch an invasion of an Islamic country??? Considering 6,000,000 of them died and the rest were starving and/or prisoner, I find that highly unlikely.

[Kärnfysikern]

this thread is not about israel.

[mcpeepants]

You guess wrong...you obviously are not from Greece, and obviously are not Christian, but wherever you are from you need to gain access to some history written by unbiased historians, or at least check the archives of newspapers...

what does being a christian have to do with it?

[mcpeepants]

this weapons sell doesn't bother me at all. right i just wish a had a two large fans cause my room in burning up.

[Kärnfysikern]

well dont worry. Putin and Bush is soulmates afterall

I dont realy understand why russia should care about US oppinions over arms sales when the US doesnt care about Russians oppinions on the war they wage. Its not like US can do anything against russia or vice versa.

As far as my problem with Russia...they are more screwed up than a soup sandwich. Missing nukes, missing uranium,..the whole government is corrupt, its a way of life. They should not have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council any longer because they are now a third rate power that Uganda could probably beat in a fight.

Many claim Russia has nukes missing. But I have never seen any credible source of that??

As far as that screeching Chavez...well...the US has taken care of problems like him before...and can again.

He was elected wasnt he?

[Logan13]

well dont worry. Putin and Bush is soulmates afterall

I dont realy understand why russia should care about US oppinions over arms sales when the US doesnt care about Russians oppinions on the war they wage. Its not like US can do anything against russia or vice versa.



Many claim Russia has nukes missing. But I have never seen any credible source of that??



He was elected wasnt he?

The fact that Chavez is hellbent on obtaining weapons (in an area of the world has never needed them BTW), is a guarantee that he will have to use them one day..........Can anyone tell me the last time South America was invaded or attacked by another continent since colonial times?

[Logan13]

Iran, N.Korea, and Venezuella are all taking up arms for offensive purposes. All three of them are working together in expanding their military prowess, which includes nuclear weapons. All this is going on as the world sits back and sticks it's head in the sand. The UN is worthless, if you wish to insist on their "peacetime validity", fine. But their inability/unwillingness to act in response to aggression has cost many more thousands of lives than they have saved in their "humanitarian efforts". This is a FACT. i.e the net result of the UN's existance is a negative effect on the world.

[Kärnfysikern]

Iran, N.Korea, and Venezuella are all taking up arms for offensive purposes. All three of them are working together in expanding their military prowess, which includes nuclear weapons. All this is going on as the world sits back and sticks it's head in the sand. The UN is worthless, if you wish to insist on their "peacetime validity", fine. But their inability/unwillingness to act in response to aggression has cost many more thousands of lives than they have saved in their "humanitarian efforts". This is a FACT. i.e the net result of the UN's existance is a negative effect on the world.

Im not gonna get into a UN debate again. Im just glad the rest of the world(except offcourse Israel) doesnt agree with you.

What I have bolded isnt fact. Its a oppinion that can not even be validated because you would have to have a world without the UN to compare with to be able to even have a basis for that statement.

[Kärnfysikern]

The fact that Chavez is hellbent on obtaining weapons (in an area of the world has never needed them BTW), is a guarantee that he will have to use them one day..........Can anyone tell me the last time South America was invaded or attacked by another continent since colonial times?

When was the last time USA was invanded and how much does USA spend on arms?

[Logan13]

When was the last time USA was invanded and how much does USA spend on arms?

ummmm.......... 9/11?

[breacherup]

According to what I have read, Venezuela will build a factory and start manufacturing AK-47s-just what the world needs more AKs