 Russian President Vladimir Putin cast doubt on Tuesday over the viability of holding elections as planned next month in an Iraq under "total occupation". "I cannot imagine how elections can be organized in conditions of total occupation of the country by foreign troops," Putin said as he met Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi at the Kremlin.| Sort of like the Ukraine, eh? |
Allawi was seeking in his talks with Putin to smooth diplomatic relations, following a similar mission to Germany on a European tour of powers that opposed last year's invasion. The premier said Moscow would be given a "leading role" in helping restore Iraq's shattered industries -- a clear signal Baghdad was ready to give Russia access to its lucrative oil industry.| Cheez, you'd think that would be enough to get Vlad to pipe down. |
Officials in Moscow said Russia would try to win back oil contracts it signed under Saddam Hussein's regime in exchange for Moscow's promise to write off 90 percent of Iraq's eight billion dollar Soviet-era debt. |