12/12/2009: Russia denies it is supporting arms race
Bolivia (EFE) "We're not supporting any arms race. First, they are defensive weapons, and logistical needs and Bolivia have obsolete, "said Goluveb in a press conference. Goluveb was referring to the request of the Government of Bolivia for a loan to Russia by $ 100 million to finance the purchase of military equipment and the new presidential plane, which cost 30 million dollars.
The diplomat explained that he had made up the delegations discussed from next February, the envelope military equipment requested by Bolivia. He insisted that it is a replacement of obsolete military equipment, so that "the weapons and equipment that has managed Bolivia will not represent any threat to third countries." Goluveb stressed that bilateral relations between his country and Bolivia go beyond cooperation to strengthen the armed forces and mentioned the progress of negotiations for the provision of the new presidential plane will be manufactured by the Russian state
Ilyushin Finance Co.
announced that next Monday will arrive in La Paz 14 commission in the company to refine the details of the agreement, whose signature is scheduled for first quarter 2010. The Russian consul in Bolivia, Ilia Nesterov, told Efe that this meeting will review the issues pending from two previous meetings and noted that the draft contract is ready. The meeting also will discuss the installation in Bolivia of a maintenance center Ilyushin, a project announced last August by President Morales.
The installation of this maintenance facility will enable the Russian industry to expand its operations in Latin America and offer their aircraft to the private airlines in the region. Moreover, Goluveb noted that Russian cooperation plans in Bolivia next year will focus on the areas of hydrocarbons through the state-run Gazprom, and mining. He added that the Russian government is also willing to cooperate to the country in areas such as agriculture, science, education and petrochemicals, among others.
