Russia to help Cuba modernize weaponry, train military

Russia to help Cuba modernize weaponry, train military
08:1718/09/2009

HAVANA, September 18 (RIA Novosti) - Modernization of the Soviet-made
military equipment and training of Cuban military personnel will be the
focus of Russian-Cuban military cooperation in the near future, the
chief of the Russian General Staff said on Friday.

Gen. Nikolai Makarov arrived on a working visit to Cuba on Monday, met
with Cuban President Raul Castro and the country's military leadership,
and visited a number of military installations.

"During the Soviet era we delivered a large number of military equipment
to Cuba, and after all these years most of this weaponry has become
obsolete and needs repairs," Makarov said.

"We inspected the condition of this equipment, and outlined the measures
to be taken to maintain the defense capability of this country...I think
a lot of work needs to be done in this respect, and I hope we will be
able to accomplish this task," the general said.

Makarov said the Cuban request for assistance with training of military
personnel will also be fully satisfied.

Although the Cuban leadership has repeatedly said it has no intention of
resuming military cooperation with Russia after the surprise closure of
the Russian electronic listening post in Lourdes in 2001, bilateral
military ties seem to have been improving following the visit of Russian
Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev and Russian Deputy Prime
Minister Igor Sechin to Cuba in July last year.

A group of Russian warships, led by the Admiral Chabanenko destroyer
visited Cuba in December last year during a Caribbean tour.

Russia to help Cuba modernize weaponry, train military | Top Russian
news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire (18 September 2009)
http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20090918/156170428.html