Putin: US made big mistake in Iraq

War In Iraq

By Press TV on: 21.12.2007

Putin named Time magazine's 'Person of the Year'
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said that the events of the last years show the great mistake committed by the US when it invaded Iraq.

Russia considered such a decision was wrong from the start, and there is no solid argument now to change our criteria, Putin told Time magazine who named him 'Person of the Year' on Wednesday.

The Russian president said the Iraqi people, though a small population, are proud, and took the US-UK military occupation as a particular offense to their country, creating problems never seen in that country before.

Putin said he had differences with US President George W. Bush, particularly his arguments that he cannot set a concrete time limit for withdrawal of foreign troops.

Putin said the best thing to do is remove the troops as soon as possible to leave control with the local authorities.

ABZ/PA