US-Russia relations 'under considerable stress,' Tillerson says
Russia’s intent to expel 755 U.S. diplomats and seizure of two U.S. properties in Russia has put relations between the two countries “under considerable stress,” said Tillerson at a Tuesday press conference at the State Department.
Russia announced the diplomatic measures Friday after the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly approved sanctions legislation that targets Russia, Iran and North Korea. The bill requires congressional approval, or Russia to meet conditions, before the administration could lift sanctions against Russia. Tillerson argued that limited his flexibility in negotiations with the Russia government.
“Neither the president nor I were very happy about that,” said Tillerson. “We were clear we didn’t think it was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that’s the decision they made in a very overwhelming way. I think the president respects that, and all indications are he will sign that bill.”
Russia announced the diplomatic measures Friday after the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly approved sanctions legislation that targets Russia, Iran and North Korea. The bill requires congressional approval, or Russia to meet conditions, before the administration could lift sanctions against Russia. Tillerson argued that limited his flexibility in negotiations with the Russia government.
“Neither the president nor I were very happy about that,” said Tillerson. “We were clear we didn’t think it was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that’s the decision they made in a very overwhelming way. I think the president respects that, and all indications are he will sign that bill.”
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