Comment on French president sharply criticizes Russian media

French president sharply criticizes Russian media

VERSAILLES, France — Flexing his diplomatic muscles, French President Emmanuel Macron said he had “extremely frank, direct” talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, pushing for cooperation on Syria and against the Islamic State group but also launching an extraordinary attack on two Russian media outlets he accused of spreading “lying propaganda.” The two leaders emerged from their first meeting — discussions at the sumptuous Palace of Versailles that lasted an hour longer than planned — clearly still at odds on multiple issues, but also keen not to let their differences define their fledgling relationship. Macron said he spoke to Putin about LGBT rights in Chechnya and about the rights of embattled non-governmental organizations in Russia, vowing he would be “constantly vigilant” on these issues. Speaking with remarkable frankness, Macron tore into the state-funded Russian media outlets Sputnik and Russia Today, for spreading what he said were “serious untruths” during the French election. Putin described Le Pen as a politician who wants to develop friendly ties with Russia and said it would have been strange to rebuff her overtures. Putin said he and Macron agreed to discuss pursuing closer cooperation on anti-terror efforts, with a proposed exchange of experts to work toward that goal.

 

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