THE TIMES: Main points: 11 arrested over spy ring in United States / ‘Mastermind’ held in Cyprus / One suspect used fake British passport / Married couples and journalist among those held / Investigation lasted a decade
The Russian Government has admitted that 11 people accused of spying for Moscow in the US include Russian citizens, but denies that they acted against American interests.
The Foreign Ministry urged the US to take into account the “positive character” of relations between the two countries, after President Obama and President Dimitry Medvedev offered a show of unity and dined together on hamburgers last week.
“We are talking about Russian citizens who came to the United States at different times,” the ministry said in a statement. “They have not committed any kind of actions directed against the interests of the United States.”
Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister, who has a background in the security services, was more aggressive.
He told the former US president Bill Clinton, “Back at your home, the police went out of control (and) are throwing people in jail.
“I hope that all the positive gains that have been achieved in our relationship wll not be damaged by the recent event.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry called for lawyers and diplomats to have access to the suspects, who had posed for years as middle-class professionals from a range of countries including Uruguay and Canada. Continue reading and comment >>> Judith Evans, Tony Halpin in Moscow and Giles Whittell in Washington | Tuesday, June 29, 2010
