Russia says not using economy for political aims

MOSCOW, Feb 1 (Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin said today Russia was not using its growing economic clout for political purposes.

''We are always told that Russia is using its ... economic resources to achieve foreign policy aims. That is not the case,'' he told an annual news conference. ''What we do (in energy) is directed first and foremost at satisfying our main customers.'' REUTERS AKJ BD1517