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."