And CUI BONO, 'eh, ladies and gentlemen (think money theme, folks)!!
The "defense" contractors gotta be salivating, 'eh?
"Russia trumpets closer links with Venezuela's Chávez; US critics form a strategic bond" by Oleg Shchedrov and Chris Baldwin, Reuters | July 23, 2008
MOSCOW - President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia yesterday hailed closer ties with Venezuelan socialist leader Hugo Chávez, overseeing energy deals bringing the two key oil producers and rivals of the United States closer together.
Upbeat after the cordial reception, Chávez declared, albeit hypothetically, that Russia would be welcome to deploy a military base in his country, if it asked for such.
Time to take him out, isn't it, U.S.?
"If Russia's armed forces want to be present in Venezuela, they will be given a warm welcome," Chávez told a news conference in response to a question. "We are considering issues linked to our strategic partnership, be it in the energy sector, industry, finance, science and technology, or military issues," Chavez said.
Earlier yesterday, Medvedev and Chávez oversaw four deals between Russian oil companies and Venezuela's state energy firm PDVSA. These allow the Russians to develop new deposits in the South American country and pave the way for big infrastructure and engineering projects.
In an implicit slap at the United States, which traditionally considers Latin America its zone of influence, Medvedev signaled the importance Russia attaches to relations with Washington's main adversary in the region.
"Venezuela is now the most important partner of the Russian Federation," Medvedev said after his talks with Chávez at a state residence outside Moscow.
"Our relations are a key factor of regional security . . . . We have one common task - to make the surrounding world more democratic, fair and secure."
Chávez said he would pursue fresh purchases of Russian arms, "because the North American empire . . . has plans to invade Venezuela, to disarm Venezuela."
"We are a peace-loving country, but we are threatened by the United States . . . because Venezuela's oil reserves are the world's largest," he told the news conference. "And we are forced to defend ourselves."
Underlining the importance Moscow attaches to relations with its anti-American partner, Medvedev said he and Chávez would personally oversee a number of the key projects.
Russia, the world's No. 2 oil exporter, and OPEC member Venezuela also agreed to cooperate on global energy markets without hurting the interests of consumers, Medvedev added.
"Russia and Venezuela are two very important oil and gas powers and ensuring energy security depends on our concerted actions," Medvedev said after receiving Chávez at a state residence outside Moscow.
Despite media reports that a big arms deal would be signed yesterday, a Russian government source said there was no guarantee anything would be finalized.--MORE--"
