Putin to Back Germany's UN Bid

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday his country would support Germany getting a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council if it had the backing of a majority of UN members. "We are going to support Germany's candidacy on condition that a reform plan be put forward that will be supported by a majority of UN members," Putin told journalists. The comments came as the UN General Assembly is expected to consider expanding the Security Council at a meeting on September 14-16.