(Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin denied on Thursday that he had deliberately used his black labrador Koni to intimidate German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a meeting in 2007 that became a notorious diplomatic incident.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday denied using his dog to intimidate former German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a meeting at his Black Sea residence in Sochi in 2007.

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday, saying that he did not deliberately intend to

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied allegations that he intentionally used his black Labrador, Koni, to frighten German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to former German chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday, saying he did not mean to scare her when he brought his pet Labrador to a meeting with her in 2007.

In her memoir, Angela Merkel called Putin's 2007 move to bring his Labrador into a meeting a deliberate "demonstration of power," sparking fresh debate. At a recent press conference, Putin denied the claim,

Vladimir Putin claims he apologized to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel for bringing his Labrador to a meeting in 2007, not knowing about her fear of dogs. "Angela, please forgive me, I did not want to cause you any heartache,

Vladimir Putin denied using his dog, Koni, to intimidate Angela Merkel during a 2007 meeting. Merkel, who is afraid of dogs, asked for Koni to be kept away. Putin apologized, claiming he was unaware of her phobia and sought to create a relaxed atmosphere.