Venezuela announces plans to buy more Russian, Chinese weaponsJuly 25, 2014 - 09:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced plans to buy more weapons made in Russia and China to increase the country’s military might, according to RIA Novosti. “I spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and very soon commissions are to start work to include [to purchase plan] cutting-edge weaponry to reinforce the military and technical equipment and weapons systems of this country,” Maduro was quoted by Noticias24 as saying. Director General of the Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade Igor Korotchenko told RIA Novosti earlier that in the period of 2012 to 2015 Venezuela is expected to become the second-largest importer of Russian weapons, with sales reaching up to $3.2 billion. In 2005-2009, Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport signed over 30 contracts with Venezuela on weapons supplies. Venezuela received Russian air defense systems (Antey-2500, Pechora-2M, Buk and Igla) as well as T-72M tanks, Grad and Smerch multiple rocket launcher systems, armored vehicles and artillery. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |