Chavez, Putin Meet in Russia (2/2)

Mr. Chavez's Moscow agenda includes the possible purchase of Russian diesel-electric submarines, armed with missiles. He is also interested in buying the Russian TOR-1 missile defense system. Last year, Mr. Chavez signed a deal with the Kremlin to purchase $3 billion worth of weapons, including helicopters, fighter planes and small arms.

The Venezuelan leader said on Thursday that he does not rule out the development of nuclear energy in his country. Mr. Chavez also said American troops should leave Iraq, and that Iran has a right to nuclear technology.

Mr. Chavez says that Iran has the right to a peaceful atomic energy industry because it is a sovereign state.

Russian and Venezuela, both major exporters of energy, are also discussing expanded commerce. Their bilateral trade, last year, amounted to only $90 million.

On Saturday, the Venezuelan leader will be President Putin's guest at a horse race in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don. However, despite signs of closer relations, Russian lawmakers voted against allowing Mr. Chavez to address them in a full session of the country's lower house of Parliament.

Mr. Chavez has plans for more weapons deals with neighboring Belarus, where he flies after his visit to Russia. He then continues to Iran.