Don't you have perfect Deja Vu? -: Hitler (Putin) takes Abkhazia and South Ossetia (Sudeths) claiming to defend its citizens (Sudeth Germans) there and occupies Georgia (Czechoslovakia). And Sarkozy acts like Chamberlain+Daladier! The only problem is Saakashvili, which indeed "helped" new-Hitler.

George, Tbilisi, Georgia

Bravo Putin, and Bravo Sarkozi. I wonder why nobody seemed to care when Saakashvili publicly called Putin a "lilliputin", referring to Putin's height. Why should the President of Russia (at the time) accept such humiliating remarks?!?

yu, boston,

Bill Daly of New York, your forces were the johnny-come-latelys of WWII. You didn't save Europe. Get that silly idea out of your head! It was the Russian effort and sacrifice that turned the tide in the fight against Hitler, not anything the United States did.

Tom Sullivan, Dublin, Ireland

As an American, I am highly amused. As Keith Olbermann pointed out on MSNBC, here is an ironic case where George Bush set an example which served to preserve world peace, by contrast with his own much-deserved humiliation. For an indication of the style reversal in store, go to www.change.gov.

Don Pfau, Albuquerque, USA

I'm very disappointed in Sarkozy. His statement about President Bush was uncalled for. Saddam Hussein was a tyrant and butcher that held the World hostage by not allowing the UN to inspect its nuclear and chemical arsenal. Saddam thumbed his nose at the World. Bush was right.

Dr_Moon, Ft Worth, USA

I am very keen to overhear future conversations between Putin and Rahm Emmanuel. Should be interesting stuff..

Kara Swart, London, UK

If Russia desires to be viewed as a respectable nation, they should probably elect leaders who do not talk like classless brutes. Putin is damaging Russia's future irreversibly.

Bohdan, Sumy, Ukraine

...China, India, Pakistan. There people live in full poverty. They too wish to live well. It is necessary to moderate appetites and to redistribute resources differently accident it is not passed (a translation from Russian is carried out by the program, I hope at least sense will be clear).

Max, Voronezh, Russia

Nobody the paranoiac. Threat proceeds from ourselves. People simply too many want. More resources, more luxury goods, more comfort, more, more … As a result this mad over consumption will lead to the third world war. And it will be war not between Russia and the West. Recollect about...

Max, Voronezh, Russia

Putin and Russian ambitions are well know already but then why some reports blame Georgia for starting the war, does anybody doubts Russian presidents intentions? Putin wanted, Putin got it!

Adam, London, UK

I'm sure Putin was talking metaphorically.

Ian Burgess, Bristol,

You could argue all you want about Putin's language or his dictatorial style, etc., and he certainly deserves a lot of criticism, but it does not mean that Russia was wrong in their action in Georgia, or that Saakashvili does not deserve to be tried as war criminal, there is plenty of evidence...

Fiona, Seattle, USA

The truth is out. The Georgians did invade, and did commit war crimes, which the western press ignored at the time. So, good for Putin, he did what the Americans would have done in similar circumstances in their sphere of influence.

Mike Ryan, Christchurch, UK.

Bondy, Dartmouth, UK

What? Brits are more paranoid, you may be our "ally" but your no different than us or the Russians.

James McCullough, Manhattan, New York, United States of America

Actually, there is a very large oil pipeline that runs through Georgia. The control of which would further strengthen Russian control on Eastern European and Western resources. Looks like an American just trumped you. Good try though.

Gray, Charlotte, USA

nice conversation, indeed. our former pres kuchma is right saying putin is not someone with fresh ideas, he is just copypasting... while funny tough little bit pitiful as for nearly 150 m people populated country

romulus, kiev, ukraine

Actually, it was the Iraqis who hung Saddam Hussein, not the Americans

Phil, Preston,

I think we can see why the world is in a mess -- super-patriots, psychotic dictators, oil-mad countries, warmongering presidents with a free hand, sycophantic billionaires, and an elitist group of thinkers who considers the whole thing perfectly normal, quite civilised, and fairly amusing.

iain, bedford, uk

1) Hussein was tried in an Iraqi court.

2) Hussein was found guilty by Iraqis.

3) Hussein was hanged by Iraqis.

Remind me again how "the Americans hanged Hussein?"

Bill, Denver, United States

Europe need a strong Russia, its simple as that.

Michael, Madrid,

Georgia started the war, according to the OCSE observers. Saakashvili should therefore be tried for war crimes and hanged, just like the Germans after WWII, and just as George W Bush deserves to be. Only in this way will future wars be prevented.

michele, London, UK

I am still amazed at the Europeans who are so attracted to dictators and will find any excuse to defend them. If Putin had invaded Iraq I am sure you would have found at least 100 reasons why he was doing the right thing. Perhaps the time has come for the Europeans to learn to suffer under brutality

Glen, Johannesburg,

1. Russia is ruled by bandits, so their vocabulary is not surprising. 2.As to who is the ruler it's certainly not Putin's chairwarmer ,a.k.a Mini-me,-choose your pick. 3.It's a smart idea to diminish the Russian share in Europian fuel supply. Go for it.

Felix, Mountain View,

Putin makes Bush look rational, responsible and compassionate by comparison.

Given another 20 years in power, Putin might make Mao or Stalin look good.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

Don from tarpon springs, usa, says this shows Russia cannot be trusted. This strikes me as a bit rich, coming from an American who supports Bush and by inference his foreign policies. But then, our governmet got us involved in the unjustified Iraq war too (even if I didn't support it).

Ed, Melbourne, Australia

Monsieur le President,

Self promotion is unacceptable.! Your advisor should shut up.

What are you doing for France which has not declared yet it is in a recession?

Yesterday, you "pardonned" all the cowards of Verdun ...what will you say to someone who might act cowardly in Afghanistan?

Pierre Vienot, New York, USA

well, I guess the information available to the US citizen is restricted, but actually, there is two sides of the situation.. there is no oil,and no other major interest in Georgia for the Russians. Though,they had a humanitarian reason, because the Ossetians for years have been treated like dogs

Tor Mikkel Tokvam, Leikanger, Norway

Just immagine if a US President said anything close to that.
Guess its ok if you are from Russia, Putin is brainwashing Russia's youth to hate the west though politial youth clubs. Political terror and murders are commonplace in Russia.
I know, it must be Bush's fault.

Shawn, Davenport, USA

This is french propaganda campaign which south to reassure other european countries that their security and well-being can depend on the french paper tiger.
It is also possible for them to play good cop bad cop with the russians, with the aim of replacing NATO with ESDP.

Angel, Sofia, Bulgaria

That was gold, i am still short for breath from laughing so hard. If this is a part of a real transcript then i will be amazed, it at least shows Putin has a good sense of humour. Saakashvili deserves everything he gets, for continuing the oppression of Abkahzia and Ossetia started under Stalin.

L.Matheson, Perth, Western Australia

You American guys are very paranoid and insecure - a bit like the Russians!

Bondy, Dartmouth, UK

To be honest, I like Putin, he seems to be popular in Russia, I don't think this means Russia cannot be trusted, I think the point he was making is that America hung the leader of state they rightly or wrongly invaded, Iraq, similar to Georgia? i feel there is more than the west is reporting to this

Keri, Brussels, Belgium

This should show people, that Russia cannot be trusted, and that the US needs someone, like Pres. Bush, to deal with ongoing threats from regimes like that. "God help the USA" under a passive administration from OBAMA!

Don, tarpon springs, usa

Let me get this straight. To Putin, and I guess, Sarkozy, deposing the mass-murderer Hussein is equivalent to deposing President Saakashvili, who to my knowledge has not gassed entire segments of the Georgian population.

Huh.

Rick, Doral, FL, USA

Hmm... hanging Saddam Hussein a man who tortured and terrorized his people for 40 years and hanging President Mikhail Saakashvili a man who want to see his people prosper and live free...Don't really see the connection! One deserved to be hanged the other deserves to be praised!

L, Virginia, USA

I think this is rich. The next time the Europeans need us to save them, we'll stay at home. Americans these days are post-European. It was our grandparents or great-grandparents who left Europe, we have no living relatives there, and we are tired of their condescension and disingenuous behavior.

Bill Daly, New york, NY, USA

That's funny what Putin said but Saakashvili was elected by the people of Georgia.

James McCullough, Manhattan, New York, United States of America

I'm sure that there are about a quarter million American soldiers who gave their lives for European freedom during World War 2 turning in their graves at what has become of their sacrifices.

Gary, Pittsburgh, USA

Sarkozy is a bit like the Archbiship of Canterbury, the mediator between Good and Evil. Sarky, for this reason, should drop the EU gig and become head of the Anglican church.

Carl, Basildon,

good Bush joke, but shame the french leaked this out. Sarkozy is Europe's strongest leader, he needs other leaders of the world to trust he wouldn't send confidential conversations out to the press

richard grey, London,

Non to Russian energy ever - a great big de Gaulle NON!

Richard, Stanstead Abbotts,

I'm of the opinion that such strong threats shoulb be avoided!

Tanya, St-Petersburg, Russia

At least he talks like a leader..

hamad Lone, London, England

To: Kidd Garrett, Bristol, UK

Obviously, you have a lot to learn about France.

Etienne, Boynton Beach, FL, US

Gosh, I didn't realise that Abkhazia and South Ossetia were in Sarkozy's gift.

France is obviously more extensive than I remember.

Kidd Garrett, Bristol, UK

Who and whatever spoke, but till now to Putin was able to carry out his desires.......

Dmitry, St-Petersburg, Russia

Maybe someone should adopt the same logic and threaten to stab Putin in his beady eyes.

Joe, Manchester,

I feel sorry for Russian nation for having such inadequate previous president who seems to jump over Mr Medvedev so often.
Once upon the time, Putin will end in the same way as he dreamed of for Georgian president. Be careful in your wishes and wills for others Mr Prime Minister of Russia.

Eka, Tbilisi, Georgia