Rex Tillerson Meets With Russian Diplomats in Moscow Amid Rising Tensions

MOSCOW — (AP) U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says relations between Moscow and Washington are “at a low point” and marked by serious distrust.

Tillerson says he aims to clear up “sharp differences” with Russia as he opens a tense meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Tillerson and Lavrov are meeting in Moscow amid rising tensions over Syria.

Lavrov says Russia has lots of questions about the “very ambiguous” and “contradictory” ideas coming from the U.S. He says through a translator that it’s important for Russia to understand the “real intentions” of the Trump administration.

Tillerson says he wants to understand why U.S.-Russia differences exist. He says both countries have agreed that their lines of communications must stay open.

Lavrov is also subtly mocking Tillerson for the fact that top U.S. State Department positions are unfilled. He says that makes it hard to have clarity about U.S. positions.

Lavrov also says the allegations of Moscow’s meddling in the U.S. presidential election haven’t been proven.

The Foreign Minister said Wednesday that Moscow hasn’t seen “a single fact, or even a hint at facts” proving the U.S. allegations of Russian interference.

He added that Russia would consider such facts, if they are provided.

U.S. intelligence agencies have said that Russia meddled in U.S. presidential campaign and election to help Donald Trump win.

The U.S. Congress has been conducting a probe into alleged links between Trump’s campaign officials and Russia.