Russia pushes into America's backyard

MANAGUA, Nicaragua- Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Russia is probing deeper into America's backyard with the offer of aid to the leftist government of Nicaragua. The offer is part of a Russian push to increase its influence in Latin America after years on the sidelines in the region. Russia has also promised help to Cuba in areas devastated by the recent spate of hurricanes that ripped through the Caribbean. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin was in Nicaragua, a Central American country that was a Cold War ally of Russia.

Russia's ambassador to Managua said Wednesday that his country will replace the Nicaraguan army's aging weaponry. Ambassador Igor S. Kondrashev said there are no plans, however, to expand the Central American country's military arsenal. Daily Mail