11 Sep 2012 21:50

Putin sees positive aspect in Romney's blunt remarks about Russia

BOCHAROV RUCHEI (SOCHI). Sept 11 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin sees both advantages and disadvantages in U.S. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's blunt remarks about Russia.

"Any situation has its positive and negative aspects. That Mr. Romney considers us enemy number one and apparently has bad feelings about Russia is a minus, but, considering that he says this bluntly, openly and clearly, means that he is an open and sincere man, which is a plus," Putin said following a meeting with Serbian President Tomislav Nilolic.

"We will be oriented toward pluses, not minuses. And I am actually very grateful to him for formulating his position so clearly and freely," Putin said.