Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez seen at a news conference in the Meiendorf Castle residence outside Moscow, Tuesday, July 22,  2008. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called on Tuesday for a strategic alliance with Russia to protect the South American country from the United States. AP Photo logo AP Photo 43 months ago

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez seen at a news conference in the Meiendorf Castle residence outside Moscow, Tuesday, July 22, 2008. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called on Tuesday for a strategic alliance with Russia to protect the South American country from the United States.