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Putin denies health problems and says America poisoning relations
Source: Agencies |
December 21, 2012, Friday
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RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin supported a ban on Americans adopting Russian children yesterday in a feud over a US human rights law which he said was poisoning relations.
Putin, 60, struck a hawkish tone in his first annual news conference since he began a new six-year term in May, but denied tough measures against his opponents since his return to the Kremlin meant he was an authoritarian leader.
He used the live broadcast to dismiss speculation about his health, underline the strength of the economy and portray himself as the guarantor of stability.
"This is by no means the least successful period in Russia's history," he said.
"Without irony, I look forward to any future president being more successful."
He described as "unfriendly" the legislation signed by US President Barack Obama last week that will punish Russians accused of violating human rights by refusing them visas and freezing their assets in the US.
"This, of course, poisons our relationship," he said of the measures, drawn up because of concern over the death in a Russian prison of anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in 2009.
The Kremlin says Obama is likely to visit Russia in the first half of 2013 but Western diplomats say the US president will agree to a summit only if he feels progress can be made.
Asked about the conflict in Syria, another irritant in relations with Western powers that have backed President Bashar al-Assad's enemies, Putin said Moscow's main concern was the fate of the country and not that of its long-time ally Assad.
He said Moscow wanted to ensure any solution to the conflict in Syria must prevent the opposition and government forces just swapping roles and continuing to fight indefinitely.
"We are not concerned about the fate of Assad's regime. We understand what is going on there," Putin said. "We are worried about a different thing - what next."
The Kremlin has dismissed suggestions Putin has serious health problems since he was seen limping in September.
"This is only beneficial for political opponents who are trying to question the legitimacy and the effectiveness of the authorities," Putin said.
Putin, 60, struck a hawkish tone in his first annual news conference since he began a new six-year term in May, but denied tough measures against his opponents since his return to the Kremlin meant he was an authoritarian leader.
He used the live broadcast to dismiss speculation about his health, underline the strength of the economy and portray himself as the guarantor of stability.
"This is by no means the least successful period in Russia's history," he said.
"Without irony, I look forward to any future president being more successful."
He described as "unfriendly" the legislation signed by US President Barack Obama last week that will punish Russians accused of violating human rights by refusing them visas and freezing their assets in the US.
"This, of course, poisons our relationship," he said of the measures, drawn up because of concern over the death in a Russian prison of anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in 2009.
The Kremlin says Obama is likely to visit Russia in the first half of 2013 but Western diplomats say the US president will agree to a summit only if he feels progress can be made.
Asked about the conflict in Syria, another irritant in relations with Western powers that have backed President Bashar al-Assad's enemies, Putin said Moscow's main concern was the fate of the country and not that of its long-time ally Assad.
He said Moscow wanted to ensure any solution to the conflict in Syria must prevent the opposition and government forces just swapping roles and continuing to fight indefinitely.
"We are not concerned about the fate of Assad's regime. We understand what is going on there," Putin said. "We are worried about a different thing - what next."
The Kremlin has dismissed suggestions Putin has serious health problems since he was seen limping in September.
"This is only beneficial for political opponents who are trying to question the legitimacy and the effectiveness of the authorities," Putin said.
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