Putin denied any Russian interference and demanded proof, both sides agreed. “President Trump has said that he has heard clear declarations from Mr. Putin that Russian leadership and Russian government has not interfered in the elections.”Lavrov also said Trump called the lingering controversy "strange and bizarre." Trump and Putin agreed that the controversy was a "substantial hindrance in the ability to move the U.S.-Russian relationship forward," Tillerson said. Trump and Putin had exchanged cordial if lukewarm greetings in front of reporters before launching into the meeting, which included only the two presidents, Tillerson, Lavrov and two translators. The Russian foreign minister spoke to reporters soon after the presidents’ meeting.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 07, 2017 23:45 UTC