Russian warships arriving in Venezuela, Chavez says

A fleet of Russian warships were arriving in Venezuela on Tuesday to conduct joint naval exercises off the Caribbean nation, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said.

The exercises, which are being closely watched by the United States, coincide with the visit of Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev, who is due in Venezuela on Wednesday. His visit, part of a South American tour that includes Brazil and Cuba, comes as falling crude prices are worrying energy-producing countries like Russia and Venezuela. (Reuters)