Oil motive in Iraq, Putin says

MOSCOW, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said the motives for U.S.-led operations in Iraq centered on control over the country's oil reserves.

“In my opinion, one of the goals, of course, was to put that country’s oil under control,” Putin said in a call-in interview with Iran’s Islamic Republic News Agency.

Putin said there was speculation over similar motives regarding Russia’s oil reserves but noted the situation in Iraq cast a shadow over such motives, Interfax said.

Putin expressed his country’s support for the mission in Afghanistan -- which has changed from U.S.-led to NATO-controlled -- noting, “For the first time in our history we have given our go-ahead to the transit of military cargo and personnel through our territory for NATO countries.”

He also noted Russia’s continued economic assistance and warm relations with the leadership in Afghanistan.

“We have fairly good prospects here,” Putin said.