Putin Risks Assasination To Visit Iran

October 15, 2007 · Filed Under Terrorism, Terrorists, Vladimir Putin, World News, nuclear weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted Monday he would travel to Iran despite reports about a possible assassination attempt, arguing direct contact and “peaceful means” were the only way to deal with the country’s nuclear program. Russia’s Interfax news agency, citing a source in Russia’s special services, said Sunday that suicide terrorists had been trained to carry out the assassination in Iran. The Kremlin said Putin was informed about the threat.

“Of course I am going to Iran,” Putin told reporters at a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel following talks in Wiesbaden, southwest Germany. “If I always listened to all the various threats and the recommendations of the special services I would never leave home.”

Putin’s trip will be scrutinized for changes in Russia’s complex position on Iran. Russia has been skeptical of more sanctions in the United Nations Security Council and is building Iran’s first nuclear reactor.

-Chris Jones