Chavez says Russia lends Venezuela $4 billion for arms

Russia gave Venezuela a $4 billion credit to buy weapons when President Hugo Chavez visited Moscow last month, adding to billions the socialist leader has already spent on re-equipping the army.

"We were in Russia not long ago and the Russian government has now given us a $4 billion credit to help us with defense equipment," Chavez said on Saturday at a ceremony to celebrate 90 years of Venezuela's air force. (Reuters)