Russia Helps Venezuela Develop Nuclear Energy Program
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Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Sunday that Russia is set to assist his country in developing nuclear energy; something which is raising eyebrows in the U.S. as an increasingly close relationship develops between Moscow and Caracas.
Chavez stated that he received and accepted an officer from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to assist Venezuela in building a nuclear reactor.
“Russia is ready to support Venezuela in the development of nuclear energy with peaceful purposes and we already have a commission working on it,” Chavez said. “We are interested in developing nuclear energy.”
The offer of Russian assistance came in a meeting last week in Novo-Ogaryovo. Putin offered no specifics as to the assistance offered to Venezuela, but it fits with the pattern of Russia establishing itself as a provider of nuclear power plants to developing countries.
Since last month’s war with Georgia, Russia has increased cooperation with Venezuela, further damaging the nation’s relations with western nations, especially the U.S.
A Russian naval squadron has set sail for the Caribbean to prepare for joint naval exercises -planned for later this year, a move which could not help but appear like saber rattling following the deployment of U.S. warships to deliver aid to Georgia.
This represents the largest naval deployment by Russia in the Caribbean since the cold war.
Chavez states that Venezuela’s stronger ties with Russia will help to establish a multi-polar world; something both nations state as an objective – both nations are opposed to what they see as global domination by the United States.
Venezuela has purchased or agreed to purchase over $4.4 billion in weaponry from Russia, including firearms, helicopters and fighter jets. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has also offered Venezuela a loan to buy additional military equipment.
Chavez argues that developing nations have a right to develop nuclear technology and has been a staunch supporter of Tehran’s nuclear program, despite widespread fear that the Iranian government may be working towards building nuclear weapons.
Chavez had already expressed interest in buying a nuclear reactor from Argentina and working with countries including Iran to research and develop nuclear energy before accepting Russia’s offer.
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