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Kremlin spokesman says it took several attempts for Putin to reach Elton John by phone

Kremlin earlier said it was hard for the Russian ambassador in London to convince Sir Elton John that Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to talk to him by phone

Elton John EPA/Antonio Lacerda

Elton John

© EPA/Antonio Lacerda

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Russian diplomat convinces Elton John that Putin wants to talk to him with great efforts

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made several attempts to reach British musician Sir Elton John before finally holding a telephone conversation with him, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Friday.

Peskov added that the meeting between Putin and John may take place if their working schedules allow that. "Putin decided to call him several days ago, and they could not reach each other. Elton John was somewhere in Brazil and so on. He does not sit in one spot as well. He has an active position, and that is why he travels so much. And you are aware about the president’s working schedule as well," Peskov explained.

The spokesman added that "Elton John has his own schedule to keep." "If schedules allow, then such meeting could take place. At least, they both are ready," Peskov confirmed.

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Putin phones Elton John, agrees to meet him — Kremlin

Peskov earlier told journalists that it was hard for the Russian ambassador in London to convince Sir Elton John that Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to talk to him by phone.

"At first he [Elton John] hesitated," Peskov said. "We decided to ask Russian Ambassador to London Alexander Yakovenko to get in touch with the musician and tell him about the phone call. In the beginning, Yakovenko had certain problems to explain to the musician that he was really the Russian ambassador and that the real president of Russia wanted to talk to him," Peskov said adding the ambassador’s diplomatic skills helped him to convince Elton John.

Peskov said that Elton John had wished to meet the Russian president.

"In this case, the president deemed it necessary to support his initiative especially after two Russian prankers had goofed on Elton John [two well-known Russian prankers disguised as Putin gave a call to Elton John last week]", Peskov explained.

"The president emphasized that he would be ready to answer any questions that interest Elton John if their working schedules cross," he added.

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Pranks pull trick on Elton John — Kremlin spokesman

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