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Snarling Putin Smacks Down Dell's Net Offer

Russia's Putin tells off Michael Dell

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 29, 2009 6:29 AM CST

(Newser) – Russian leader Vladimir Putin fired a withering public broadside at computer tycoon Michael Dell at the World Economic Forum. When Dell offered to help expand the Internet in Russia, Putin snapped: "We don't need help. We are not invalids. We don't have limited mental capacity."

The World Economic Forum brings together top business and political leaders in Davos Switzerland. The clash between Dell and Putin happened at the opening ceremony after Putin delivered a bellicose 40-minute speech challenging the dollar as the reserve currency and calling for smart energy partnerships with the Russians.

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Michael Dell adjusts his headphones during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

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Snarling Putin Smacks Down Dell's Net Offer