Chavez says Venezuela will purchase tanks, citing threat from Colombia
By APWednesday, August 5, 2009
Chavez: Venezuela to buy more tanks
CARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez says his government plans to buy dozens of tanks because Venezuela feels threatened by pending deal to increase the U.S. military presence in Colombia.
Chavez says “several tank battalions” could be acquired to boost defenses as neighboring Colombia negotiates an agreement to let U.S. forces use three airfields and two navy bases there.
The socialist leader did not elaborate during a news conference on Wednesday, but Venezuela is currently negotiating the purchase of tanks and armored vehicles from Russia.
Venezuela and Russia have signed weapons contracts worth more than US$4 billion since 2005.
Colombia says Venezuela should not worry about Americans using the military bases.
