The Associated Press reports that “the White House says the United States would welcome ‘closer cooperation’ with Russia on security preparations for the Winter Olympics following a pair of deadly attacks that sparked fears about the terrorism threat at the February Games.”

“’The U.S. government has offered our full support to the Russian government in security preparations for the Sochi Olympic Games,’ White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said. ‘We would welcome the opportunity for closer cooperation for the safety of the athletes, spectators and other participants.’”

“Officials say that while Russia will be responsible for overall security at the Games, U.S. personnel will be in the country in what the Obama administration is calling ‘liaison roles.’ The effort will be headed by the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, which typically assists host nations during events where a large number of Americans will be present. Diplomatic security agents will work with Russian security and law enforcement officials.”