Venezuela to Build Nuclear Technology with Russian Assistance

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Hugo Chavez said Sunday that Russia will help Venezuela develop nuclear energy — a move likely to raise U.S. concerns over increasingly close cooperation between Caracas and Moscow. Putin offered Chavez assistance in developing nuclear energy during a meeting in the Russian city of Novo-Ogaryovo last week. The prime minister did not specify what kind of cooperation he could offer Venezuela, but Russia is aggressively promoting itself as a builder of nuclear power plants in developing nations. Russia has ramped up its cooperation with Venezuela since last month's war with Georgia, which badly damaged Moscow's already strained ties with the West, particularly the United States.

• JJ Commentary: Russia is busy re-establishing its “cold war” support of socialistic, totalitarian countries (e.g. Iran) in fulfillment of its prophesied end-time role.