Putin says Nato expansion poses direct threat to Russian security

Bucharest: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday ruled out the possibility of a new Cold War because "it would be in nobody's interest" and used his last appearance at Nato to snap at the alliance.

Hours before he was due to meet US President George W. Bush, at his Black Sea villa in Sochi, Putin told the US and other Western countries: "Guys, let us be friends. A Cold War is in nobody's interests and Russia has exerted great efforts to ensure stability, but it has not been rewarded. We have dismantled bases in several countries, but instead of giving in return, the West has moved militarily towards our borders," Putin told reporters at the conclusion of Nato summit.

" ... [it] would be taken in Russia as a direct threat to our security ... ," he said.

Putin had earlier challenged US policy toward Iran and said that the Islamic Republic should be helped to emerge from isolation, instead of being threatened.