Posted on 02/01/2007 8:22:58 AM PST by XR7
Caligula considered making his horse a consul, but President Vladimir Putin is content merely to take advice from his own four-legged friend, he told journalists today.
When Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian prime minister, met Mr Putin in 2004, the Russian leader appeared to have eyes only for Koni
The Russian leader said he fell back on counsel from Koni, his black Labrador, whenever he felt angry with the world.
"As far as bad moods go, of course I have them like any other person, but in those cases I try to consult with my dog Koni.
"She gives me good advice," he told 1,200 reporters gathered for his annual press conference in Moscow.
He added: "My wife recently gave me a good book, the poems of Omar Khayyam.
Koni also attended a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier this month "There are many interesting things there that can help in such cases. I recommend it."
On a much more serious note, President Putin was asked about the murder of Alexander Litvinenko in London last November and belittled the former Russian espionage agent who was poisoned with polonium, a highly toxic radioactive substance.
"He didn’t the possess any kind of secrets at all," the Russian leader said.
"What he could say negatively about the service he had worked in, he had long since said."
Mr Putin said that it was up to the British courts and the British investigation into the murder to find out who committed it and whether it had been ordered by someone else.
In a lengthy press conference that is usually used as a showcase for the Russian president’s command of statistics and detail, he said there would be a normal democratic election next March to choose the country’s next president.
"There won’t be a 'chosen successor’ - there will be candidates," he said.
"The authorities’ task is to ensure the democratic character of the elections..., so that citizens can make their choice."
Under the Russian constitution, Mr Putin has to step down after two terms in office.
Former (maybe not so former) KGB agent Putin is no fool.
A master propagandist, he knows what Muslims believe about dogs.
OH MAN that too funny ROFL
Black Labs are intelligent and perceptive.
While I may question Putin's use of a dog as counsel, if he had to pick one it may as well be a Black Lab.
Like the Bush Beans dog did?
I heard that Koni Putin and Barney Bush are the Russia/USA diplomatic "back channel."
Muslims believe dogs are dirty, so what do you think Putin's aim is then?
That's not new - Bill always consulted with Hillary during tough times.
ping.
NOW that funny ROFL
Didn't a Scandinavian country once have a dog a king or regent?
When Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian prime minister, met Mr Putin in 2004, the Russian leader appeared to have eyes
only for Koni
Just tick them off he know that
I hear story long time ago that they put Barney and then first doggie Spot at other side of Bush ranch because of Saudi representive came to Bush Crawford TX Crib
That made me angry
dog pinglist ping.
Duke could get the secrets out of Koni.
Just set them up for a play date and a debriefing to follow.
OHHH how cute AM
BTW I am not surprise Vlady like Lab he may need their loyality since everybody is accusing him everything maybe it might be true about KGB spy I don't like anybody who don't like animals
That sound too fishy for me
I don't know if you guys know this but our Vice President is proud owner of Lab Retrievers
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