U.S. diplomat warns about Russian presence

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Shannon warned of a potential arms race and security threat because of Russia's increased presence in Latin America.

Shannon, who is in charge of Western Hemisphere relations in the State Department, linked the Russian Navy's visits to Cuba and Venezuela with the August war in Georgia.

The diplomat traveled to Moscow to discuss how the U.S. and Russia can cooperate in Latin America.

"The two countries are too important not to be talking to each other and not to be finding ways to work together on important issues in the region," Shannon told the AP.

He said Washington would wait to form conclusions until future actions from Russia.

Cuban president Raul Castro met with Russian Vice Admiral Vladimir I. Koraliev Dec. 23 in Havana.

Sources: Reuters, AP, escambray

Photo: Escambray, Cuban and Russian officials meeting