Staff ReporterPresident Donald Trump has for the first time said he is prepared to be questioned under oath as part of an investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US election.
He said he was “looking forward” to it, subject to the advice of his lawyers.
Investigators are assessing if the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to influence the election in his favour – a claim denied by Mr Trump and Russia.
Investigators will also determine if Mr Trump obstructed the inquiry.
The US intelligence community has already concluded that Moscow tried to sway the presidential election in favour of Mr Trump.
He has called the Russia investigation a “witch hunt” and a “hoax”.
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Mr Trump maintained he was “absolutely” prepared to be questioned under oath by the top investigator.
“There’s been no collusion whatsoever, there’s no obstruction whatsoever,” he said.
On Thursday morning Mr Trump landed in Zurich, on his way to the World Economic Forum in Davos. He is the first sitting US president to do so since Bill Clinton 18 years ago.
The president’s lawyers have been talking to the investigation team led by justice department special counsel Robert Mueller about an interview, and the form it might take.
The questioning could happen face-to-face, in writing, or it could be a combination of both.
As to when it might happen, Mr Trump said: “Yesterday they were talking about two to three weeks.”
Asked if he thought Mr Mueller would be fair, the president replied: “We are going to find out… I hope so.”
The country’s top prosecutor is thought to be the first member of the Trump cabinet to be questioned.
Four people have already been criminally charged as part of Mr Mueller’s investigation.
Michael Flynn, the president’s former national security adviser, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about a meeting with a Russian ambassador.
Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort has been charged on 12 counts, including conspiring to defraud the US in his dealings with Ukraine, and conspiracy to launder money.
Mr Manafort’s business associate Rick Gates was also charged with conspiracy to launder money.
A third adviser to the campaign – George Papadopoulos – pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI.
BBC
