Putin: I ask Connie ...
2007-02-01 23:59
Moscow - When the going gets tough, President Vladimir Putin turns to his Labrador Connie and 11th-century Persian poet Omar Khayyam for advice, the Russian leader said at his annual news conference on Thursday.
"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 Connie.
She gives me good advice," Putin said, referring to the black Labrador retriever who frequently appears with him at meetings with journalists and foreign leaders.
The remark drew laughter from the crowd of over 1 200 Russian and foreign journalists gathered for the president's annual news conference, which was televised live.
Omar Khayyam
"My wife recently gave me a good book, the poems of Omar Khayyam," Putin added. "There are many interesting things there that can help in such cases. I recommend it."
The exchange was typical of the news conference - which in the past has lasted as long as three-and-a-half hours - with foreign journalists often seeking commentary on international affairs and Russian journalists posing more local and lighter-hearted questions.
In response to another such question, Putin denied that the vast command of facts and figures he displays at such events had any computerised aid.
"I don't have any kind of technology," Putin said, raising his hand to his ear with a grin.
"I work with these figures not from press conference to press conference, but every day," Putin said.