Two Russian Bombers Land
In Venezuela For
Training
CARACAS - Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez
said Wednesday that two
Russian TU-160 strategic
bombers have landed in
Venezuela for "training
flights."
"The supersonic TU-160
bombers went a long time
without coming here,"
Chavez said during the
inauguration ceremony of
a medical center in
Flores de Catia, in the
west of Caracas.
Chavez referred to a
news report about the
possible presence of
Russian bombers, saying,
"Yes! I hope that hurts
you, pitiyankees," which
is a Venezuelan term for
the opposition.
"Moreover, I will steer
one of those (planes),"
Chavez said, and he
added that during the
flight he will pass by
Cuba, as a greeting for
former Cuban Leader
Fidel Castro.
"Fidel, I'm going to fly
low past you there," he
said.
Venezuela has been
talking with Moscow for
one year about joint
training maneuvers and
purchasing weapon such
as submarines and
air-defense rockets from
Russia, Chavez said in
the televised speech.
Chavez said the
initiative with Russia
and his government was
due to the United
States' military ban
against Venezuela.
Chavez noted that the
bombers will help
Venezuela gain more
knowledge and technology
about aviation and
strengthen the country's
national defence.
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