United States at odds over the sale of Russian weapons to Venezuela
United States is opposed to the sale of Russian weapons to Latin
America, particularly Venezuela, US Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice said.
During an official visit to Russia, the US top official spoke
up after a meeting and luncheon with Russian Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov. The minister replied that the military cooperation
does not violate any international agreement entered into by
Russia.
Moscow plans to sell 100,000 automatic rifles to the government
of President Hugo Chávez, AP reported.
Rice, who is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir
Putin on Wednesday afternoon, made a positive assessment of
Russian-US cooperation.
"We view Russia as a strategic ally to stop proliferation of
nuclear weapons. We view it as an ally to solve regional problems,
such as the Balkans and the Middle East."
"Russia is not a strategic foe," she told to an independent
radio station.
Rice did not delve into the Washington concern about democracy
in Russia. She briefly mentioned power concentration in the
president's hands and the need for more independent media.
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