Chávez urges close Russian ties

Calling the United States a threat to Venezuela's sovereignty, President Hugo Chávez is seeking closer ties with Moscow. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez shake hands during their meeting at the Meiendorf Castle residence outside Moscow on Tuesday, July 22, 2008. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, visiting Moscow to pursue weapons and energy deals, on Tuesday called for a strategic alliance with Russia to protect his country from the United States. Amid talks about a billion-dollar arms purchase from Russia, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez said Tuesday that he wanted the two nations to become strategic partners to ensure ``Venezuela's sovereignty, which is currently being threatened by the United States.'' Chávez's remarks, reported by the Russian state news wire RIA Novosti, came... [read full story]