Chavez push for Russian military base in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said that military cooperation with Russia is proceeding and suggested that Russia should open a military base in the South American country, Russian news agencies reported. 'We are proceeding at full speed'' with military cooperation, Chavez said at a news conference late on Tuesday, the Interfax news agency reported. He said Venezuela was in the process of re-equipping its army and purchasing Russian fighter jets - Su30s - and parts for an integrated anti-aircraft system. 'Russia will continue shipping components for this system,'' Interfax quoted Chavez as saying. The maverick president also said Venezuela would welcome Russian military bases in the South American country.