Venezuela, Russia Plan Naval Exercises

Venezuela, Russia Plan Naval Exercises
September 08, 2008
Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez says Venezuelan and Russian ships could soon hold joint naval exercises in the Caribbean -- a move that would likely raise concerns in Washington.

"Russia's naval fleet is welcome here," Chavez said on his weekly broadcast program Sept. 7. "If it's possible, we'll stage an exercise in our Caribbean waters."

Russian naval vessels are due to call on Venezuelan ports in late November or December, Chavez said.

The socialist leader ridiculed any concerns U.S. officials might have, saying, "Go ahead and squeal, Yankees."

Diplomatic relations between Caracas and Washington have been tense for years. U.S. officials have warned that Chavez poses a threat to democracy, while Chavez has emerged as Latin America's most outspoken critic of U.S. foreign policy in the region.


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