Vladimir Putin Calls for Policies to Prevent Use of Chemical Weapons

The czar’s 1717 visit paved the way for diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges between France and Russian Federation.

The Russian president said the most vital problem now facing the world is terrorism, and the only way to fight it is through worldwide cooperation. And as NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley reports, Macron tried to mend his country’s relations with Russian Federation.

Emmanuel Macron gave the warning on Monday during “frank talks” at Versailles palace with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who is a staunch ally of Assad.

While Putin did not dispute any of Macron’s statements, he also did not mention gay people even just once throughout the press conference. Western sanctions, imposed after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, have been ratcheted up since pro-Russian rebels carved out a breakaway region in eastern Ukraine.

Alongside Putin in 17th century palace of Versailles outside Paris, Macron on Monday said he had agreed to set up a working group with Russian Federation, including to exchange information. Yet Macron stood firm, and he also warned Russian Federation against supporting further chemical attacks by the Assad regime in Syria. The site was sold to Russian Federation under former President Nicolas Sarkozy amid criticism from rights groups. Although, Macron consulted with them to prepare the visit.

“Big things are built over time”, Mr Macron said.

The 39-year-old French leader and Putin exchanged a cordial, businesslike handshake and smiles when the latter stepped from his limousine, with Macron appearing to say “welcome” to him in French.

A person close to Flynn says he will turn over documents related to two of his businesses as well as some personal documents the committee requested earlier this month.

Mr Putin said Mr Macron proposed a framework for French and Russian anti-terror experts to meet and work together.

PARIS • France’s new President Emmanuel Macron said he was ready for his “moment of truth” with USA counterpart Donald Trump when they shook hands for the first time. The U.S. and the European Union have made the prospect of lifting economic and financial sanctions against Moscow contingent on fulfilling the peace agreement.

Both leaders also agreed the time was right for a new round of peace talks on Ukraine. During the interview, other issues were debated such as the alleged Russian interference in the USA and French elections, another accusation launched by Western nations. This is a subtle change.

Another issue that weakened Russian-French ties was accusation against Russia over alleged attempts to interfere in French presidential election.

But Macron did comment on the topic when asked by a Russian journalist why it had been so hard for certain reporters to get access to his campaign headquarters during the election. “When press organs sow defamatory untruths, they are no longer journalists, ” he said.

Macron’s full-on blast at the state news agency Sputnik and broadcaster Russia Today came at a news conference with Putin standing at his side.