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07:36 GMT
WASHINGTON, April 16 (KUNA) -- US President Joe Biden affirmed that the US "is not looking to kick off a cycle of escalation and conflict with Russia, saying "we want a stable, predictable relationship."
In remarks on Russia at the White House, Biden warned, "If Russia continues to interfere with our democracy; I'm prepared to take further actions to respond. It is my responsibility, as President of the United States, to do so."
"Throughout our long history of competition, our two countries have been able to find ways to manage tensions and to keep them from escalating out of control," he added.
He noted that there are "areas where Russia and the United States can and should work together."
Biden mentioned that he proposed to meet in person this summer in Europe with Russian President Vladimir Putin "for a summit to address a range of issues facing both of our countries," adding "our teams are discussing that possibility right now."
"Out of that summit -- were it to occur and I believe it will -- the United States and Russia could launch a strategic stability dialogue to pursue cooperation in arms control and security," he said.
He affirmed that when he to Putin, he expressed his belief that "communication between the two of us, personally and directly, was to be essential in moving forward to a more effective relationship. And he agreed on that point."
He noted, "Now is the time to de-escalate. The way forward is through thoughtful dialogue and diplomatic process."
"My bottom line is this: Where it is in the interest of the United States to work with Russia, we should and we will. Where Russia seeks to violate the interests of the United States, we will respond. And we'll always stand in defense of our country, our institutions, our people, and our allies," Biden stressed. (end)
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