General Flynn quits US National Security Adviser role

The US National Security Adviser General Michael Flynn has stepped down from his position in the Trump administration.


It follows reports that General Flynn discussed US sanctions against Moscow with the Russian Ambassador to the United States before Donald Trump was sworn into office last month.

It is illegal for private citizens to conduct US diplomacy, and the calls happened late last year, before General Flynn was appointed to the administration.

The retired Army Lieutenant General initially denied having discussed sanctions with the Ambassador, and Vice-President Mike Pence publicly denied the allegations on his behalf.

However, General Flynn later told the White House sanctions may have been discussed.

US media had reported that the Justice Department had warned the White House about the contacts late last month.

There had been some concern that General Flynn might be vulnerable to Russian blackmail.

Senior Democrats had also called for General Flynn to be fired.
 [rte.ie]
14/2/17