Because the payment was made through a nongovernmental organization, the Podesta Group did not register as a lobbyist for a foreign entity. Ukrainian officials emphasized that they did not know as yet if the cash payments reflected in the ledgers were actually made. “The suggestion that I accepted cash payments is unfounded, silly and nonsensical,” he said. Mr. Manafort’s statement, however, left open the possibility that cash payments had been made to his firm or associates. Neither Mr. Manafort nor his lawyer, Richard A. Hibey of Washington, responded to emails seeking comment.

Source: New York Times August 19, 2016 00:02 UTC