LOC22:17
19:17 GMT
MOSCOW, Oct 19 (KUNA) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Thursday what he described "anti-Russia hysteria" in the US, stressing that problems in relations between the two countries are solvable.
"We do have positive things to discuss. But I am speaking about what impedes this. You have hysteria there, we show displeasure - you are taking down flags, closing diplomatic missions. So what is good in it? This is all the result of amassed problems," President Putin said at a session of the Valdai International Discussion Club, underway in Sochi.
"Can they be solved or not? I think this is possible. Let us work towards this together. We need your advice and recommendations, this is what we get together for at the Valdai Club," he said.
He reiterated that his country has not intervened in the US presidential elections.
"Somebody simply lost the election to Mr. Trump, the whole blame was put on Russia and frantic anti-Russian hysteria was launched. I cannot call it otherwise. Any issue, any failure of somebody is associated with Russia," he said.
On North Korea's nuclear program, the Russian President said that this issue must be settled through a dialogue and not through threats to use force.
"This problem must certainly be settled through a dialogue, and not through driving North Korea into the corner. Without threats to resort to force, without downgrading oneself to the level of unconcealed loutishness and bad language," Putin said.
"Yes, we certainly condemn nuclear tests by the DPRK. We implement in full all decisions regarding North Korea passed within the framework of the UN Security Council," he noted.
On oil prices, Putin said Russia is satisfied with USD 50 per barrel.
"We have agreed with OPEC nations, particularly with Saudi Arabia, on the energy market, after which the price has been stable at over USD 50. We consider it a fair price. We are satisfied with it. This is a result of our joint efforts," he said. (end)
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