Spain signs arms deal with Venezuela
cctv.com 11-29-2005 09:33
In Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez has signed a one and a half billion US dollar deal to buy naval ships and transport aircraft from Spain, this, despite strong opposition from Washington.
Spanish Defense Minister Jose Bono signed the contract with Chavez on Monday. The deal includes four coastal patrol ships, four corvettes, 10 C295 transport planes, and two maritime surveillance planes. The military transaction is part of a broader program to revamp Venezuela's armed forces. Washington had lobbied Madrid to refuse the contract. This highlights the growing gulf between the United States and key oil supplier Venezuela, especially over the country's influence in Latin America. Venezuelan naval commander Armando Laguna said delivery of the ships and planes would be completed in 2010.
Editor:Chen Zhuo Source:CCTV.com