Macron called Putin "obsessed with our democracy"

French President Emmanuel Macron called Russian leader Vladimir Putin "obsessed with our democracy." This is stated in excerpts from the interview published on Twitter Fox News Sunday. Putin is a strong leader who knows how to use the weaknesses of others, said Macron.

“I believe that he is a very strong man, he is a strong president. He wants the greatness of Russia. People are proud of his policy. He is extremely cruel to minorities and his opponents,” the French leader said. He emphasized that he himself does not share Putin's views on democracy.

“He is strong and smart. But do not be naive. He is obsessed with our democracy. Therefore, I am sure that we should never show weakness with President Putin. When you are weak, he uses it,” Macron said.

. @Emmanuelmacron on Russian President Putin: He's Strong and Smart. But donbe be naïve. He's Obsessed by Interferences in Our Democracies. That's Who I do Believe that We Shoup Never Beak with President Putin. Wen you are Weak, He Uses it.

- Foxnewssunday (@foxnewssunday) April 22, 2018

According to RBC , in May the president of France will visit St. Petersburg, he will be the main guest of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Macron received an invitation to come to Russia from Putin in September 2017, when the Russian president was on a visit to Paris.

The West must maintain presence in Syria

France President Emmanuel Macron believes that after the war with the Islamic State terrorist group, Paris, Washington and their allies will have to have a key influence in this Middle Eastern country.

Macron was asked whether he convinced US President Donald Trump to preserve the American military presence in Syria after IG defeat. “This is not necessarily American forces, but it is American diplomacy and your presence,” TASS quotes. “After that we will have to build a new Syria ... That's why I consider the role of the United States very important.”

The President of France believes that the initiative cannot be conceded: "When we end this war against IG*, if we leave completely and accurately, even from a political point of view, we will yield key positions to the Iranian regime, Bashar Assad and others. And they will prepare a new war, they will support new terrorists."