Oil motive in Iraq, Putin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the motives for U.S.-led operations in Iraq centered on control over the country's oil reserves.
“In my opinion, one of the goals, of course, was to put that country’s oil under control,” Putin said in a call-in interview with Iran’s Islamic Republic News Agency.
Putin said there was speculation over similar motives regarding Russia’s oil reserves but noted the situation in Iraq cast a shadow over such motives, Interfax said.
Putin expressed his country’s support for the mission in Afghanistan -- which has changed from U.S.-led to NATO-controlled -- noting, “For the first time in our history we have given our go-ahead to the transit of military cargo and personnel through our territory for NATO countries.”
He also noted Russia’s continued economic assistance and warm relations with the leadership in Afghanistan.
“We have fairly good prospects here,” Putin said. // Copyright 2007 by United Press International
- Putin to return to power with damaged credibility and legitimacy
- Playboy Star in Russian State Duma in the List of United Russia
- Russian newsreader LIVE: F*ck You, Barack Obama (VIDEO)
- Russia: Rebuilding an empire while it can (Stratfor)
- Moldovan Officials Not Interested In Putin's 'Eurasian Union'
- Turkey Seeks Price Cut On Russian Gas
- Poor Ukrainian-Russian Ties Reflect Yanukovych-Putin Relationship
- Russia's Evolving Leadership: The Appearance of Democracy (part 5)
- Russia's Evolving Leadership: Medvedev’s New Pragmatism (part 4)
- Russia's Evolving Leadership: Putin’s Shifts (part 3)
- 10 most important world events of 2005
- The rise and fall of Saddam Hussein
- Iraq: Saddam Hussein and another ex-senior officials sentenced to death by hanging
- Analysis: Black Sea Rivalry
- Report: Saddam Hussein has been executed
- On 31 August Moldova celebrates the Language Day
- Sexual humiliation and torture of female protesters reported
- Saddam Hussein handed over to Iraqi authorities, say lawyers
- Saddam Hussein's execution could be within next 48-36 hours
- Deadly blast at checkpoint near Peshawar