Chavez, Putin Meet in Russia(1/2)

President Hugo Chavez met his counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Thursday evening at an informal dinner at the Russian leader's country home near Moscow. But Russian news reports throughout the day focused on the opening of a Latin American cultural center in the city, where Mr. Chavez spoke for about an hour. Mr. Putin indicated that he followed the Venezuelan's appearance like most Russians, on television.

President Putin says he was able to watch televised news reports and noted that the new center will be a place where Russians can familiarize themselves with Latin American culture.

By scheduling Mr. Chavez so late in the day, Mr. Putin promptedspeculation" class="hjdict" word="speculation" target=_blank>speculation in Moscow that he downplayed the meeting because he does not want to be seen aggravating his already chilly ties with the United States. Washington considers Mr. Chavez to be a destabilizing element in Latin America. President Bush has invited the Russian leader for a visit this weekend at his family home in Kennebunkport, Maine to discuss ways of improving bilateral relations.

The United States is also concerned about Venezuelan arms purchases.