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Venezuela May Sell U.S.-Made F-16's
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: May 17, 2006
CARACAS, Venezuela, May 16 (AP) — Venezuela's military is considering selling its fleet of American-made F-16 fighter jets to another country, possibly Iran, in response to an American ban on arms sales to President Hugo Chávez's government, an official said Tuesday.
The official, Gen. Alberto Müller, a senior adviser to Mr. Chávez, said he had recommended to the defense minister that Venezuela consider selling the 21 jets. He said he thought it was worthwhile to consider "the feasibility of a negotiation with Iran for the sale of those planes."
The Iranian Embassy in Caracas said no such deal had been formally proposed.
The State Department warned that Washington would have to sign off on any sale of the F-16's.
Mr. Chávez has previously said he could share the F-16's with Cuba and China because he said Washington was not supplying parts. American officials disputed the accusation.
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: May 17, 2006
CARACAS, Venezuela, May 16 (AP) — Venezuela's military is considering selling its fleet of American-made F-16 fighter jets to another country, possibly Iran, in response to an American ban on arms sales to President Hugo Chávez's government, an official said Tuesday.
The official, Gen. Alberto Müller, a senior adviser to Mr. Chávez, said he had recommended to the defense minister that Venezuela consider selling the 21 jets. He said he thought it was worthwhile to consider "the feasibility of a negotiation with Iran for the sale of those planes."
The Iranian Embassy in Caracas said no such deal had been formally proposed.
The State Department warned that Washington would have to sign off on any sale of the F-16's.
Mr. Chávez has previously said he could share the F-16's with Cuba and China because he said Washington was not supplying parts. American officials disputed the accusation.
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