Bill Clinton Offers Rare US Praise for Putin | Russia | RIA Novosti

Some praise for Putin from an unexpected corner: Former US President Bill Clinton says that although Putin was "brutally blunt," the Russian President is also "very smart" and always kept his word.

WASHINGTON, September 25 (RIA Novosti) – Former President Bill Clinton offered some rare words of praise Wednesday from a US politician about Vladimir Putin, describing the Russian president as “very smart,” “brutally blunt” and true to his word.

“Mr. Putin … he’s very smart,” Clinton said in an interview with CNN talk show host Piers Morgan. “And, remarkably, we had a good, blunt relationship.” Asked to describe just how blunt that relationship was, Clinton replied: “Brutally blunt,” indicating he preferred this level of frankness in private conversations.

Putin took over as acting Russian president on January 1, 2000 following the surprise New Year’s Eve resignation of the late Russian leader Boris Yelstin, and was formally elected for his first term two months later. Clinton, who left office in January 2001, worked with him as head of state for a year.

Asked if Putin ever reneged on a promise, Clinton was categorical: “He did not.”

“He kept his word on all the deals we made,” Clinton said.
Same basic article is reported in US media as well:

CNN Interview: Clinton suggests Putin can be trusted – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs

Clinton: Putin always kept his word - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room