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ABC News' Martha Raddatz and Richard Coolidge report: Russian President Dimitri Medvedev arrived in Venezuela today, getting the red-carpet treatment from President Hugo Chavez. Medvedev is in the middle of a four country tour in Latin America seen by some as a sending a bold message to the United States because of its support for Georgia in that country’s recent conflict with Russia - and possibly reviving old Cold War rivalries.Today, in Washington, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed the Russian show of power. “I just don’t think there’s any question about who has the preponderance of power in the Western Hemisphere” she said. “a few Russian ships is not going to change the balance of power.”Upon his arrival in Caracas, Medvedev was met at the airport by Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales. While in Venezuela, Medvedev is expected to discuss potential arms and energy deals with Venezuela. Past Russian sales to Venezuela have included military jets, helicopters and Kalashnikov rifles.The Russian Navy, led by the nuclear powered cruiser “Peter the Great” arrived in Venezuela Tuesday and will be taking part in joint naval exercises with the Venezuelan navy next week. Medvedev is expected to visit the Russian ships Thursday, before continuing on to Cuba and a meeting with Raul Castro.As in the days of Noah...
