Venezuela militarization a 'concern,' says Rumsfeld

Venezuela's militarization is a troublesome development, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says at a hemispheric meeting in Managua. "I can understand neighbors being concerned," he tells reporters, according to AP.

Gen. Bantz Craddock, chief of the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), adds that Venezuela's accusations of an American plot against the regime are "mindless" and "way over the top." Craddock notes that other countries in the region are worried about Chavez's purchase of Russian warplanes.

Neither official is on record criticizing EADS CASA for helping the Russians arm Chavez.