US Ambassador to Venezuela William Brownfield warned that
the sales agreement under which Washington sold 24 F-16 fighter
jets to Venezuela "clearly and accurately" establishes that
Venezuela "undertakes to seek advise (from the United States)
before transferring such planes to any other country."
He said, however, that "in the end, governments have a right
to outline their own defense and security policies." But he
added that negotiations took place back in 1982, and that
"there is an agreement between the United States and Venezuela"
and it does not involve any other nations.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez argued that Washington
has failed to comply with the F-16 sales agreement, as it
has refused to supply spare parts and maintenance for the
jets. The Venezuelan ruler also threatened with "giving them
away" to US or "sending them" to Cuba or China. Nevertheless,
Brownfield said he had "no doubt that the Venezuelan government
is to meet the terms and conditions."
When asked about the possibility that Chávez and US
President George W. Bush meet during the fourth summit of
the Americas, to be held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, November
4-5, Brownfield replied: "Everything is possible in a world
susceptible to perfection. The two Presidents and their advisors
are to decide whether this is good time and there are suitable
topics to be addressed."