Moscow - (ReUterus & Associated Mess): Russian President Vladimir Putin was reported in laddish mood today as he told the assembled Kremlin press corpse that Israeli President Moshe Katsav was top contender for the 2006 'Macho Man of the Year Award'.
But the joke may not have gone down all that well at the press conference held by Mr Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Moscow as Tel Aviv TV stations blacked out coverage of the event, amid continuing excruciating embarrasment at their President's recent indictment for multiple rape and sexual assault.
Kremlin aides were quick to point out that Mr Putin meant no offence but merely jested because of his total and utter astonishment at the idea that President Katsav had any heterosexual ability or inclination whatsoever.
"In Russia, President Katsav has always been viewed as a Mark Foley kinda guy", said a spokesman.
