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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |