Russia Denies Naval Base Plan for Cuba

HAVANA — Russian Foreign Minister Serguei Lavrov described as “paranoiac” a rumor that is circulating concerning the reopening Russian naval bases in Cuba and Vietnam, reported the RT network on Saturday.

The rumor was based on statements by the commander-in-chief of the Russian navy, Vice-admiral Victor Chirkov, who this past Friday acknowledged that Russia had carried out negotiations for the reopening of military bases in those two countries.

“The construction of Russian naval bases in Cuba is outside all considerations, but for the navy of that country it is important to have a greater capacity for troop R&R, the resupplying of provisions and the repair of ships in other countries,” remarked the Russian foreign minister.

The news was also denied in an official statement by Russian Ministry of Defense, who assured that “Vice-admiral Chirkov did not make any official statement on that issue.”