DW: Lavrov: No evidence of Russian interference in US presidential elections
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has denied evidence exists of any Russian interference in the US elections in 2016. The statement came after charges were filed in the US against former aides of the Trump campaign.
Speaking to a meeting of business leaders in Moscow, Lavrov said: "Without any evidence, as you know, we are being accused of interfering in elections not only in the US but also in European states."
The United States has been using a "pretext of a fight against a Russian threat in Washington" to muscle in on Russian business interests out of Europe. Washington was working to weaken Russia's position in the arms export and energy sectors to the benefit of the US, Lavrov added, according to Interfax news agency.
Later on Tuesday, Lavrov said Washington should investigate "the Ukrainian trace," the RIA news agencyreported. Kiev "has information" about the 2016 US presidential election," Lavrov told a news briefing.
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WNU Editor: Just because George Papadopoulos was not charged with having improper communications with Russians (he was charged on lying to FBI agents when asked about his contacts in Russia)does not necessarily mean that Russia did not interfered in the U.S. election. But I will admit that it was strange to not see any reference to Russian collusion in George Papadopoulos' statement of the offense (see here). When you have a a suspect that spills the beans and gets a deal .... in his statement to the judge everything must be detailed. But in the case of George Papadopoulos .... there is nothing there. Same for Paul Manafort and his former associate Rick Gates .... the charges are focused on money laundering and failure to register as a foreign agent. There is a charge on "conspiracy against the United States" .... is that the Russian collusion part of the case .... no one knows (for now). But to the Kremlin .... they feel that they have been absolved on all allegations of U.S. election interference, and that future Robert Mueller Special Counsel cases will have nothing to do with Russia. I personally think this approach ignores what the Mueller Commission is actually doing .... which is shedding a light on how Russian money and their contacts in Washington are influencing U.S. policy .... and in my opinion .... they are influencing it a lot. As I have mentioned in previous posts .... the $145 million donation from Russians and their friends connected to the Uranium deal to the Clinton Foundation was not done out of the goodness of their hearts .... it was a business arrangement where services were paid. Same for the $500,000 speaking fee to Former President Bill Clinton when he gave an hour speech in Moscow .... Russians do not care what Mr. Clinton says (certainly not at $500,000 per hour) .... but paying $500,000 to curry a favor is understandable to them. And there are the multiple consulting/lobbying/and research firms (like Fusion GPS) in Washington with Russian connections .... I have no clue on how many of these firms and individuals have Russia and/or people linked to Russian interests .... but I do know that they are being paid a lot of money to represent them. If that is not interference .... I do not know what is. But here is the punchline .... in the U.S. it is not against the law to collude with foreign interests .... as long as you properly register who you are, pay your bills, and do not provide advice or encouragement that breaks U.S. law. IMHO .... in this regard .... the U.S. .... specifically Washington .... is a very strange place.
More News On Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Claiming That There Is No Evidence That Russia Interfered In The U.S. Election
Kremlin says Russia not accused in U.S. case against ex-Trump aides -- Reuters
'Not one piece of evidence' Russia interfered in US polls: Lavrov -- AFP
No proof of Russian interference in U.S., EU elections: Russian FM -- New China
Russian FM: Allegations of meddling in US election are ‘fantasies’ -- Politico
US should probe Manafort’s ‘Ukrainian trail’ rather than blaming Russia – Lavrov -- RT
Lavrov on Manafort Charges: Ukrainian Trace Should Be Investigated -- Sputnik
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