First Russian warship uses Panama Canal since 1944

Original: First Russian warship uses Panama Canal since 1944

A Russian warship used the Panama Canal for the first time since World War II, after taking part in joint Russian-Venezuelan maneuvers reflecting Moscow's growing military presence in the region. The anti-submarine ship "Admiral Chabanenko" entered the canal at the Caribbean port city of Colon late Friday, and docked at the former US naval base of Rodman in Panama's capital on Saturday afternoon, a Russian diplomatic source said.
source: AFP
The warship, which earlier this week took part in the joint Russian-Venezuelan naval maneuvers that posed a symbolic challenge to US influence in the region, is expected to stay at Rodman for five days.

It was the first time a Russian warship had entered the canal since 1944, when the waterway was under US control and Russia and the United States were allied in the a

"It is very important because it means that Russia is ready to cooperate in any region (of the world) on major international problems such as priacy, drug trafficking and terrorism," Voronin stressed.

Moscow announced the maneuvers after US President George W. Bush sent navy vessels to Georgia during the Russian-Georgia conflict in August, angering the Kremlin. Washington said the warships were delivering humanitarian aid.

"The main purpose (of the visit to Panama) is for the soldiers to rest and to replenish (ship) supplies," the embassy said. During its stay the Russian crew will also take part in soccer and volleyball competitions with the Panamanian navy.

Panama's foreign minister Samuel Lewis Navarro said Thursday that "as we all know, the Panama Canal is open to all ships in the world," noting the canal's permanent Neutrality Treaty.

The 169-meter (554-foot) Admiral Chabanenko, which carries out operations against piracy and