WASHINGTON (Islamweb & News Agencies) - Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected suspicions that deadly smallpox or anthrax may have escaped his country and that Russia has provided dangerous weapons technology to Iran.Putin also praised President Bush, with whom he will meet next week, as someone with whom he can do business and a leader who keeps his word.
In an interview in the Kremlin with Barbara Walters for ABC's ``20/20'' program, Putin struck a conciliatory stand on almost all fronts. He indicated, for instance, that he could be ready to strike a deal to clear the way for a U.S. anti-missile shield program.
Asked if he is concerned that either anthrax or smallpox could be bought or stolen from Russia, Putin answered, ``No. I believe it would be impossible.''
Anthrax has been studied for years as a biological weapon with the potential weapon to sicken tens of thousands, including through a Soviet-era germ warfare program.
But Putin insisted Russia is not the source of anthrax spores now circulating in the United States and said his country's smallpox supply is safe.
On the touchy issue of Iran, the Russian president rejected as a ``legend'' that Iran is receiving technology from Russia for missiles and weapons of mass destruction.
Russia has some projects with Iran in atomic energy, he said. But ``it has nothing to do with developing nuclear weapons. We are categorically opposed to transferring any technologies to Iran that would help it develop nuclear weapons.''
The issue has been underlined as serious and troubling by U.S. officials, who otherwise speak warmly of growing rapport between Washington and Moscow.