Putin in castration controversy

EU leader’s sat beside Russian president Vladimir Putin at a press conference in Brussels unaware he was threatening Islamists with castration.

Russian translators balked at interpreting Mr Putin’s words after a French journalist asked him if Russia’s plan to eradicate terrorism in Chechnya would not also eradicate the civilian population.

The revelations have created severe embarrassment in the EU, where there was a stormy meeting between Mr Putin and EU heads on the Chechnya war. Both sides could not even agree on a joint statement.

Appearing to lose his temper he finished with some forthright advice: “If you want to become a Muslim radical and are prepared to undergo circumcision, then I invite you to Moscow.”

His translator stumbled before a second translator took over and offered a milder interpretation on Mr Putin’s words: “If you want to become an Islamic radical and if you’d like to get your circumcision, please come to Moscow.”

President Putin accused the Chechens of trying to take over the world and that threatens Christians, atheists and moderate Muslims alike.