Chavez appreciates mil-tech cooperation with Russia

CARACAS, June 4 (Itar-Tass) - President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has highly appreciated military cooperation with Russia when addressing the activists of student organisations on Saturday.

In view of the embargo that the US administration imposed in May on the supply of armaments to Venezuela, Chavez pointed out that the delivery of the first batch of 30,000 Russian-made AK-103 submachine-guns frustrated US attempts at weakening and disarming the Venezuelan Army.

Chavez referred to the AK-103, which were brought to Puerto Cabello on the same day aboard a Russian ship, as the most up-to-date small arms. In all, according to contracts signed, the Rosoboronexport organisation is to deliver 100,000 automatic rifles of the latest generation to Venezuela before the end of this year.

The Venezuelan president also announced plans to buy SU-30 jetfighters from Russia and gave the highest appraisal of the flying and technico-tactical characteristics of the combat aircraft. The planes and the already purchased Russian military helicopters will raise the operational effectiveness of Venezuela's Air Force, Chavez emphasised.