Written question asked by Mark Simmonds (Conservative) on Thursday, 24 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 March 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 7 March 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the relationship between Venezuela and the United States of America, with particular reference to the effects of arms purchases by Venezuela from Russia.

Answer: Mr. Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the relationship between Venezuela and the United States of America, with particular reference to the effects of arms purchases by Venezuela from Russia. [218960] Mr. Rammell: Bilateral relations between Venezuela and the US are a matter for the two countries concerned. Venezuela has stated its intention to purchase a number of assault rifles from Russia for use by army reservists. Venezuela is committed to the politically binding United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons adopted in July 2001. Under this Programme of Action Venezuela has a right to import weapons for its self-defence and security. It is also required to ensure that these weapons are properly stored and managed and that proper records are kept.

Secondary information