MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chavez arms shopping in Russia to defend “revolution”

Pte. Hugo Chavez

President Hugo Chavez said that Venezuela will continue to strengthen its military power following the announcement that vice president Ramon Carrizalez and Defence minister General Gustavo Rangel Briceño would be traveling to Russia to intensify military cooperation.

"Our revolution is peaceful and wants to continue peaceful but don't let anybody be misled. This is an armed revolution" said Chavez adding that cooperation with Russia "will keep advancing at all levels". Chavez made the statements during the celebration of the Venezuelan Army Day and the anniversary of the Carabobo battle which sealed the country's independence from colonial power Spain 187 years ago. Since 2004 the Chavez regime has established close links with Russia including the acquisition of 100.000 Kalashnikov AK 103; 24 Sukhoi fighter planes and 53 helicopters. Chavez said he had contacted Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and thanked him for Moscow's support in breaking the US imposed arms and equipment blockade. Venezuela claims that for several years now the US has refused to supply the Air Force with spares for its fleet of F-16 and other weapons. In 2006 Washington vetoed a planned Venezuelan purchase in Spain of air transport aircrafts, C-295 and two additional for maritime patrolling CN-235, which forced the cancelling of the order.