Date:09/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/09/stories/2007060918111800.htm

International

Interceptors could be placed in Turkey: Putin

HEILIGENDAMM (GERMANY): Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday said missile defence interceptors could be located in Turkey, or even Iraq or on sea platforms, at a briefing that was interrupted by a protester throwing leaflets.

After the G8 summit in north Germany, Mr. Putin said the interceptors "could be placed in the south, in U.S. NATO allies such as Turkey, or even Iraq... They could also be placed on sea platforms."

Mr. Putin's proposal on missile defence interceptors followed his surprise suggestion made on Thursday to U.S. President George Bush about where to place a U.S. radar installation: Azerbaijan.

As Mr. Putin spoke, a protester threw a handful of leaflets into the air.

"Outstanding. Well done," Mr. Putin said to him in Russian. And then, in German: "Young man, give me what you're throwing."

"Now leave us in peace and give us time to answer."

The protester, 20-year-old Konstantin Schuckman, , later said he had travelled to the summit site, the coastal resort of Heiligendamm, to demonstrate against the lack of rights in Russia. — AP