coming from TASS this article really struck me "funny'...i get the feeling that russia is really backing away from hugo...joint bank aside....here's my translation of the article...

MOSCOW, June 23 (Itar-Tass) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said Russia and Venezuela have created a solid basis for further development of economic relations. Putin said so at a meeting with Venezuelan Vice-President Ramon Carrizalez on Tuesday.

Translation-"they did'nt do anything"

"Regrettably, the volume of trade turnover is not very high, but we have good prospects, and good bases created in the past few years in energy, mining, and other fields, including finance," Putin said.

Translation-"the business they are doing with venezuela is'nt worth the upset"

"It is very gratifying that the Venezuelan president, our good friend Chavez, personally supervises the interaction between the two countries. We recently talked by telephone, and I'm asking you to pass him my best wishes," Putin said as he was addressing Carrizalez.

Translation-"it's great that hugo loves us...say Hi"

The visit is taking place in the run-up to a Venezuelan national holiday. "I wish the most pleasant and kind to you and the whole nation," the Russian premier said.

Translation-"pleasantries to you"

"I'm pleased to note that your visit is being quite successful; we're gradually transforming the good level, reached by the leadership of our countries, into a high level of political interaction and economic cooperation," he added.

Translation-"they did'nt do anything"

For his part, the Venezuelan Vice-President, who brought to Moscow greetings from Hugo Chavez, noted that he "had been instructed to discuss various issues during the visit to Moscow."

Translation-"hugo told me to do something quick!"

Chavez "ordered to step up the reaching of accords," Carrizalez noted.

Translation-"hugo said we're in deep doo-doo....get it done"

"In this connection, we were working with the entire working group for three to four days, and our proposals were adopted, and are being carefully considered by Russia.

Translation-"they did'nt do anything"

"We also took in account your comments which require a quick answer; our cooperation has already reached a strategic level, and it's very important. The cooperation is under the supervision of the leadership of the two countries," Carrizalez said.

Translation-"hugo's desperate, they did'nt do anything"

The Venezuelan official has passed several letters from Chavez for the Russian leadership. "I have letters from our president for you; they've been translated into Russian, and Hugo Chavez added a note in Russian," he said.

Translation-"hugo cares a lot more about the russians than they about him"

Last week, the Venezuelan leader said he had sent letters to the Russian and Belarusian leaders urging them to seek unity in the conditions of the world crisis.

Translation-"hugo said he cant survive with just iran"

Chavez also stated it on national television on June 19.