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Putin's request to interview investor, former envoy "absolutely absurd" - State Dept

Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin
WASHINGTON, July 18 (KUNA) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's request to allow Russian investigators to question US-born investor Bill Bowder, former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, and others is "absolutely absurd," said State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert on Wednesday.
"The fact that they want to question 11 American citizens, and the assertions that the Russian government is making about those American citizens - we do not stand by those assertions," Nauert told reporters.
In a joint press conference with Donald Trump on Monday, Putin proposed that the US allow Russian officials to interview the Americans in exchange for Russia to allow the US to interview Russians, including 12 people who were indicted for their role in meddling in the US 2016 elections.
Nauert mentioned other proposals that the US is currently "assessing" instead. These include a high level working group with business leaders, an expert council with political scientists, or a meeting between both countries' National Security Councils. (end) ak.mt