Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced that his country would be assisting Venezuela in the building of a nuclear power station. The agreement was signed Friday during a visit to Russia by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
The agreement was made back in April when Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister, made a visit to Venezuela. Medvedev acknowledged that some countries may not like the news, but insists that the intentions of Russia are pure. He explained that Russia views atomic energy cooperation as a priority and this is the reason the country chooses to assist in building these power stations around the world.
The two countries have worked together previously as well. Venezuela recently purchased weapons from Russia. They received a $2.2 billion credit, which they used to purchase tanks and short range missiles. There are also plans to purchase an anti-aircraft weapons system. President Chavez said the weapons are for protection only.
A U.S. State Department spokesman has said the news “poses a challenge to the stability” in that area of the world.
Chavez also announced Thursday during his visit that Venzuela will recognize the independent republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This makes them the third country to do so.
