America is longing to return to Vietnam

The committee for liquidation started working at the former Russian base Cam Ranh in Vietnam. The rich inheritance of the Soviet Union is going to be handed over to Vietnam: the docking area, the houses, the electric power plant, an airbase, and even a bath house. The committee will determine which property can be “saved from Vietnamese possession.” Two storm-boats are reserved to carry the army equipment to Vladivostok.

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This rich gift springs from Russia's money, or the absence of it, to be more precise. Hanoi requested that Moscow pay the annual rent of $200 million for Cam Ranh. The Russian leadership made the decision to shut the base down ahead of the scheduled time. What can Russia do? Vietnam learned how to count money, especially bucks. However, the Americans have the possibility not to count them. Admiral Dennis Blair, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command visited Vietnam in February. Americans offered to render material and technical assistance in exchange for use of the airbase. The rich Pentagon is ready to pay for its second coming to Vietnam: five or six thousand dollars for each takeoff and landing, up to $15 thousand for anchorage. Uncle Sam can buy everything.

Andrey Mikhailov PRAVDA.Ru

Translated by Dmitry Sudakov

TOP.RBC.ru Russian and NATO: comrades but not yet in arms PRAVDA.Ru Russia left Cam Ranh for nowhere PRAVDA.Ru Vietnam Does Not Intend To Transfer Cam Ranh Base To A Third Party PRAVDA.Ru What do Russia and Vietnam want from each other? Russia to exit Vietnam base by May The Guardian (UK). : Russia edgy at spread of US bases in its backyard Washington Post : Cuba Upset By Closure Of Russian Spy Base The Guardian (UK). : Russia pulls out of its big spy base in Cuba The Guardian (UK). : Former Soviet states offer bases for US strikes Washington Post : Saudis Sever Ties to Taliban; Russia Backs Use of Air Bases

Read the original in Russian: http://www.pravda.ru/main/2002/06/05/42260.html

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