Jeff Sessions to discuss James Comey evidence at Senate Russia inquiry
Fresh questions over the US justice chief's relationship with Kremlin officials were raised at a recent intelligence hearing.
Sunday 11 June 2017 09:31, UK
US attorney general Jeff Sessions has agreed to give evidence to Congress' Russia investigation in the wake of the testimony by ousted FBI chief James Comey.
Mr Sessions, who will appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, said it was important he had an opportunity to address matters raised by the agency's former director.
However, he has not said whether he will give evidence in public or behind closed doors.
In his testimony last week, Mr Comey and repeatedly said he believed he was fired because of his investigation into whether Donald Trump's campaign colluded with Russia to swing the US presidential election.
His appearance also raised fresh questions about the attorney general's relationship with Russian officials and others with ties to President Vladimir Putin.
In March, Mr Sessions removed himself from any inquiry into alleged Russian interference in the elections, but maintained he did nothing wrong by failing to disclose that he met last year with Russia's ambassador.
In a letter, Mr Sessions said: "In light of reports regarding Mr Comey's recent testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, it is important that I have an opportunity to address these matters in the appropriate forum."
He added that the committee "is the most appropriate forum for such matters, as it has been conducting an investigation and has access to relevant, classified information".
The Senate panel is investigating allegations of Russian meddling in last year's White House race.
In evidence, Mr Comey told the committee he had "no doubt" about Moscow interfering in America's elections.
However, when asked directly if he believed President Trump had colluded with Russia, Mr Comey declined to respond "in an open hearing".
In response, to Congress and dismissed his testimony as politically motivated.