CARACAS, Nov. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Venezuela said Monday that its recent purchase of Russian attack helicopters was for weapons renewal instead of a regional arms race.

    The new helicopters will be used for border protection only, Defense Minister Jorge Garcia Carneiro told a press conference, apparently in response to allegations of Colombian Defense Minister Jorge Uribe that Venezuela is starting an arms race.

    He also denied reports that his government was negotiating withMoscow on the procurement of Russian MiG-29 fighter jets.

    Venezuela last month signed an agreement with Russia on the purchase of 41 Russian attack helicopters and on military cooperation.

    Colombia, which is receiving military assistance from the United States, expressed concern with Venezuela's military procurement. Its defense minister accused Venezuela of starting anarms race.

    Relations between Washington and Caracas have been difficult since leftist President Hugo Chavez took office. Chavez has accused Washington of supporting a coup in April 2002 that brieflyousted him. Enditem