The Venezuelan "Arms Buildup"

Rumsfeld (and earlier) has once again been talking up the supposed Venezuelan arms buildup. Today, a British expert from Jane's disputes that.

Venezuela is not taking part in any arms race and the equipment bought is just to replace the obsolete one, said in London Anna Gilmour of Jane's -magazine specialized in military issues.

Gilmour hinted that the remarks made by US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld have "political grounds."

Rumsfeld criticized Monday in Managua the procurement of weapons by Venezuela and argued that neighboring nations are worried about the possibility of these arms ending in the hands of leftwing guerrillas, AFP reported.

"Venezuela has increased indeed its military purchases over the last three years. But it is replacing obsolete weapons and military equipment, instead of just buying new equipment or new weapons," Gilmour explained and dismissed a potential Venezuela's threat in the hemisphere.

By the way, here's what an actual neighbor thinks: Venezuela's Arms Purchases are a "Closed Issue" for Colombia.