The US Department of State on Monday refrained from criticizing the purchase of Russian weapons by Venezuela, a new sign of the appeasement policy of Washington towards Caracas.

So far, the US Government has made it clear that Washington does not approve Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's massive weapon purchases. However, the US Department of State's spokesperson Gonzalo Gallegos was very cautious, reported DPA.

"Venezuelans want to have a significant number of arms to carry out the security functions they need," stated Gallegos.

"We are not here to tell them what they should or should not do. But I think it is clear that Hugo Chávez has a government to lead", he added.