Trump's pick for US ambassador to Russia says "no question" Moscow meddled in elections

WASHINGTON, Sept 19 (KUNA) -- The White House pick for US ambassador to Russia, Jon Huntsman on Tuesday told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Tuesday there was "no question" Moscow interfered in the US election last year.
"There is no question that the Russian government interfered in the US election last year and Moscow continues to meddle in the Democratic processes of our friends and allies," the former Governor of Utah told the committee.
The Russian government has denied any involvement in the 2016 Presidential election, but Huntsman said he would address this issue directly with officials in Moscow.
"I will also not hesitate to remind government officials that they are accountable for their actions," he said.
"Exhibit A is the fact that interference in the US election has led directly to the current low level of trust in the relationship." Huntsman who served as ambassador to China and Singapore said US relations with Russia were "among the most consequential and complex." He acknowledged tensions between the two countries have escalated to Cold War era heights.
"Right now we're at a low point" he said. "It reminds me of 1986".
Huntsman said his previous diplomatic experience would prepare him for this post, "I am under no illusion that serving as the US ambassador to the Russian Federation will be easy or simple." Huntsman also testified that he would look forward to meeting with the Russian people, leaders of civil society as well as with people opposed to the leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Senate committee is expected to vote on Huntsman nomination as early as next week. (end) hy.ibi