Venezuela to buy 5,000 rifles in Russia

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has announced plans to buy more arms from Russia. He says he hopes to buy 5,000 Dragunov rifles for the country's army.

Chavez described the weapon as the best in the world.

The announcement follows a number of other arms deals between the two countries.

Chavez added that Russian fighter jets bought last year will now form the backbone of Venezuela's air force.