Putin tells Trump that Moscow is ready for talks on an ‘extensive agenda’

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Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Trump in a holiday letter that the Kremlin is ready to have discussions with the U.S. on a wide variety of topics.

"In a Christmas and New Year greeting message to President of the United States of America Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia-US relations are the most important factor behind ensuring strategic stability and international security, and reaffirmed that Russia is open to dialogue with the United States on the most extensive agenda," a statement from the Kremlin read.

The letter from Putin comes only weeks after Trump declined to meet with his Russian counterpart at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina. Trump canceled his meeting with Putin after Russian vessels opened fire on and seized Ukrainian ships.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters earlier this month that a new meeting between Trump and Putin is possible. Ushakov also said that it's "very important" for the leaders to meet before next summer's G-20 summit.

Reuters noted that Putin sent additional letters to prime ministers Theresa May of Britain and Shinzo Abe of Japan, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

In his letter to Assad, Putin reportedly pledged that Russia would continue to support the Syrian government in its “fight against terrorism, in defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Trump announced earlier this month that more than 2,000 U.S. soldiers in Syria would be returning home soon.

https://thehill.com/policy/international/423210-putin-tells-trump-that-moscow-is-ready-to-talk-on-a-extensive-agenda#.XCjgBpugl2I.twitter

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9:28 AM - 30 Dec 2018

Israel said helping protect Colombia leader as possible plot to kill him exposed

Sources tell Reuters that Israel working alongside US, UK after authorities say Ivan Duque assassination plans have been in the works for months; 3 Venezuelans arrested

Israel, the US and UK have helped boost security around Colombian President Ivan Duque as authorities are investigating a possible assassination plot involving Venezuelan nationals, officials told the Reuters news agency on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes said Colombia’s intelligence services had been hearing chatter about alleged plans to kill the conservative Duque. He said the arrest in recent days of three Venezuelans in possession of assault weapons had heightened authorities’ concern.

Nations General Assembly, at UN headquarters. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Israel, the US and UK have helped boost security around Colombian President Ivan Duque as authorities are investigating a possible assassination plot involving Venezuelan nationals, officials told the Reuters news agency on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes said Colombia’s intelligence services had been hearing chatter about alleged plans to kill the conservative Duque. He said the arrest in recent days of three Venezuelans in possession of assault weapons had heightened authorities’ concern.

“With immense concern and the utmost condemnation, I want to inform the international community that, in effect, for the past several months intelligence investigations have been taking place about possible attacks on the president’s life,” Holmes said in a video posted on Twitter that interrupted the normal end-of-year news lull in the South American nation.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-helping-protect-colombia-leader-as-possible-plot-to-kill-him-exposed/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter