When it comes to communists, at least they live up to their beliefs by working together:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States said on Thursday it was troubled by Russian plans to sell Venezuela arms that U.S. officials suggest could be used to aid leftist guerrillas in Latin America.

The arms pact announced last year by Venezuela’s firebrand President Hugo Chavez would give the South American OPEC member 100,000 automatic rifles and a number of helicopters. Venezuela is also evaluating Russian MiG-29 fighters as possible replacements for its F-16s.

Bush administration officials have voiced increasing disquiet about the agreement in recent days, suggesting the new rifles could allow Chavez to export small arms to rebel movements, including guerrilla groups in neighboring Colombia.

“Venezuela’s plans to purchase various types and large quantities of weapons are extremely troubling,” said State Department spokesman Lou Fintor.

“Our concerns about these weapons purchases are heightened by Venezuela’s tolerance for groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the Colombian terrorist group the National Liberation Army, and others.”

Russia is like the girl who was nominated but didn’t get picked for prom queen in high school. Geez, the drama is ceaseless with them.

To clarify on the actual issue at hand, however, this is serious because this will give a great amount of power to Chavez overtly and covertly. Venezuela sponsors Al-Qaeda style terrorist training camps along its borders with Colombia. Machine guns don’t go into use in the police force (though with Chavez, you never know), so you can bet these will probably find their way into the hands of FARC rebels. Instability at home and in the neighborhood are needed for Chavez to keep a firm iron fist around the country.