Monday, February 16, 2015

Russia: "No Plans" to Establish Military Bases in Latin America

2/16/2015

MOSCOW – Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said on Sunday that Moscow has no plans to establish military bases in Latin America, although he admitted that his government is studying the possibility of creating “resupply and technical support points” in some countries in the region.

“With some states, we are studying the possibility of setting up resupply and technical support points. I want to emphasize that in no case is creating bases being discussed,” said Antonov in an interview with Russia’s Interfax news agency.

These matters, he added, were dealt with on the visit last week by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba.

Antonov said that the aim of the installations would be to provide support for Russian vessels on long-distance missions in terms of repairs, resupply and providing leave for crewmembers.

He said that Shoigu’s three-day trip to the three leftist Latin American nations was not out of the ordinary and had not been scheduled due to the international situation.

“I want to emphasize that those visits were (previously) scheduled ... They are not the result of the European and U.S. sanctions,” said the deputy minister, alluding to the restrictions imposed on Russia for its stance and involvement in the Ukrainian crisis.

He added that Russia’s interest in Latin America is not new and is part of its policy of strengthening regional security and helping countries there improve their armed forces.


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