Deal signed with Spain to buy naval ships

Venezuela

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez signed a $2 billion ( U. S.) deal yesterday to buy naval ships and transport aircraft from Spain in a military transaction Washington worries could threaten regional stability. Spanish Defence Minister Jose Bono signed the contract in Caracas for four coastal patrol ships, four corvettes, 10 C-295 transport planes and two maritime surveillance planes as part of a broader program to modernize Venezuela’s armed forces.

U. S. Ambassador to Spain Eduardo Aguirre made Washington’s opposition clear last week and said the government considered restricting the transfer of U. S. military technology involved in the deal.