US worried about Venezuelan arms

Hugo Chavez announced the arms deal after a visit to Russia last week

The US has said it is concerned by an arms build-up in Venezuela, a day after its president announced a major weapons deal with Russia.

US state department spokesman Ian Kelly said Venezuelan policy posed "a serious challenge to stability" in the region.

He also urged Venezuela to be "transparent" about buying weapons.

On Sunday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said that Russia had agreed to lend his country over $2bn (£1.2bn) to buy weapons.

The money would be used to buy arms including 92 T-72 tanks and an S-300 rocket launch system, he said.

We're also very concerned that [Venezuela ensures] these arms are not diverted to illegal organisations Ian Kelly US state department Could war erupt in arms-spree LatAm?

The deal comes as tensions grow between Venezuela and Colombia over Bogota's plan to allow the US access to several military bases there.

Colombia says the US forces will help in the war against drugs and left-wing guerrillas, and will not destabilise the region.

But Mr Chavez suggested that Colombia's decision to grant the US access to seven military bases was a threat to Venezuelan security, and that Venezuela's vast reserves of oil and gas needed military protection.

He also reiterated that his government was committed to developing nuclear power with Russia's help.

Mr Kelly said: "We urge Venezuela to be transparent in its purchases, and very clear about the purposes of these purchases."

"We're also very concerned that they put in place very clear procedures and safeguards that these arms are not diverted to any irregular or illegal organisations," he added.