Venezuela and Spain Proceed with Military Deal

Venezuela and Spain Proceed with Military Deal, Despite US protest

By: Simone Baribeau – Venezuelanalysis.com

In what Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Frías has declared a victory for sovereignty, Spain proceeded with its sale of 12 aircraft and 8 patrol boats to the South American nation. Venezuela's Defense Minister Admiral Orlando Maniglia and Spanish Defense Minister José Bono signed the deal at a ceremony earlier today.

“I want to thank King Juan Carlos… the prime minister of Spain, our good friend José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, defense minister José `Pepe` Bono, and all of Spain, for resisting the interference and the lack of respect by the imperialist government of the United States,” said President Chávez yesterday on his weekly television program “Aló Presidente.”

Venezuelan military equipment acquisition has been a touchy subject for Washington which, despite its admonishments that the country is not doing enough to fight drug trafficking, has firmly objected to the sale of systems Venezuela says will be used to fight drug trafficking….

SEE: http://venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=1828