[Sydney 2nd Reuters]-Australia's Foreign Minister Paine said on 2nd that Australia responded to US requests for cooperation in a study conducted by the Trump administration over the beginning of the alleged Russian intervention in the 2016 US presidential election Explained that it was a response to the national interest.
The US New York Times reported that President Trump urged Prime Minister Morrison to ask for cooperation in a survey on the suspicion of Russia's allegations. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Morrison revealed on the 1st that the Prime Minister responded to the request, and criticism was raised by the opposition and labor parties. [nL3N26M03O]
“The government works for Australia's national interests and works with the closest and most important allies,” Foreign Minister Payne told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
He explained, “We need to work together where possible and ensure that cooperation is appropriate. The government is doing exactly that.”
The Russian alleged investigation was triggered by a report by former Australian Foreign Minister Downer.
Trump faction executive George Papadopoulos allegedly leaked to Mr. Downer in 2016 that Russia had the information that would hit Hillary Clinton, the opposition candidate for the presidential election.
Downer is reported to have reported the content of his conversation with Papadopoulos to the FBI.