Venezuelan Minister of Defense rules out purchase of Russian subs

June 15

The Venezuelan "does not intend, at the present time," to purchase Russian submarines, Minister of Defense Raúl Baduel told the official news agency ABN, as quoted by AP.

Regarding criticisms, particularly from the United States, against Venezuelan purchase of weaponry, Baduel said his country has "the sovereign right" to buy defensive weapons when necessary.

He was replying to reports a Russian newspaper published on Thursday claiming that Moscow has plans to sell at least five diesel submarines to Venezuela.

In this connection, General Alberto Müller Rojas, the Chief of Staff advisor to President Hugo Chávez, told AP the Venezuelan government was weighing the potential purchase of Russian submarines, but "no funds have been allotted for such deal."

According to the report published on financial daily Kommersant, Russia would sell Venezuela five diesel, Project 636, submarines. President Chávez would sign a related agreement next June 29th during a visit to Moscow.