WASHINGTON (CBS DC) – Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the U.S. National Security Agency, and even said he envies President Barack Obama in light of the NSA revelations “because he can get away with it.”
Putin’s comments at a Thursday news conference reflected support for the NSA surveillance as a necessary tool to fight terrorism, but added that government rules should “limit the appetite” of the data-collecting agency, CBS News reports.
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When asked by reporters about Obama’s position amid the continuing NSA revelations, Putin expressed a bit on envy for the president.
“How do I feel about Obama after Snowden’s revelations? I envy him, because he can get away with it,” said the Russian leader before going on to defend espionage in general as “one of the oldest professions in the world, just like some other well-known professions — we won’t mention them here.”
Full article: Putin: I Envy Obama In Light Of NSA Revelations ‘Because He Can Get Away With It’ (CBS DC)
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