Young: No concern over Russian aircraft in Venezuela

NATIONAL Security Minister Stuart Young says Government has no concern about the arrival of nuclear-capable Russian aircraft in neighbouring Venezuela.

He was speaking yesterday at the post-Cabinet media conference held at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s. Young was asked about the Organisation of American States (OAS) expressing concern over the arrival of nuclear-capable Russian aircraft in Venezuela and whether TT was in support of the OAS position.

Young said he was in Washington meeting with the US State Department on Tuesday when the news was announced.

“That has nothing to do with TT. That’s something that is taking place in Venezuela.”

He also said he saw a statement that there were a number of these types of operations taking place all over the world. “TT is certainly not going to be drawn into that.”

Young said he also met with the OAS on Tuesday and the issue did not come up but if it did come up it will go through the normal process and then the TT Government’s position will be articulated.

“But right now we are not going to speculate on it to be honest.”

Young was asked about TT’s close relationship with the US and Venezuela and the gas deal signed with the latter country and whether the military presence of Russia would concern the TT Government.

Young said: “No.”