Global General

Putin hopes Russia, US relations not affected by spy row

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-30 01:06

MOSCOW - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin told former US President Bill Clinton Tuesday that hopefully the latest Russian spy row in the United States would not jeopardize bilateral ties.

"I hope very much that the positive that was collected recently in our interstate relations will not experience any harm because of the recent events," said Putin as quoted by the Interfax news agency.

"Your police are out of hand, jailing people," said Putin to Clinton.

Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that 11 suspected spies detained in the United States and Cyprus were Russians who did nothing to harm US interests.

Related readings:  Russia condemns 'baseless' US spy accusation  Russia expects explanations on US spy scandal  Obama, Medvedev say 'reset' US-Russia relations  Russia may diversify holdings on dollar, euro fluctuations

However, according to the name list published by US media, few of the 11 detainees' names sounded like with a Russian origin.

Previous reports said all the detainees were US citizens spying for Russia, some of whom disguised as Canadians.

They were "Russian citizens who found themselves on US territory at different times," said the RIA Novosti news agency.

"They have not committed any actions directed against US interests."

The ministry also said Moscow hoped they would be "well treated while in custody" and be granted access to Russian lawyers and consulate workers.

Earlier Tuesday spokesman for Russian Foreign Ministry Andrei Nesterenko said the alleged spy reports were groundless, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his country awaits explanations from the US side on this incident.

Lavrov meanwhile said the time of the reports "was selected with a special grace."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has just concluded his tour to the United States, during which he and his US counterpart Barack Obama vowed to reset and broaden bilateral ties.

US Justice Department said Monday authorities have arrested 10 suspects on charges of spying for Russia. Court documents show they tried to penetrate decision-making circles of the US government. The 11th suspect was detained in Cyprus on Tuesday.

According to a Justice Department statement, they were allegedly carrying out long-term, "deep-cover" assignments in the United States on behalf of the Russian Federation.

Analysts said the case may be an attempt to undermine trust between two countries glimmered during recent summit between US and Russian presidents. But still it is unlikely to have any devastating effect on their bilateral relations.