U.S. Says Russian Spy Arrests No Surprise

A senior U.S. official said on Tuesday that the recent uncovering of an alleged Russian spy ring will not undermine a U.S. push to reset ties with Moscow.

[Phillip Gordon, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs]:
„We feel we have made significant progress in the 18 months that we have been pursuing this different relationship with Russia.  We think we have something to show for it.“

Gordon said the Justice Department’s announcement on Monday that it had arrested 10 individuals accused of working undercover to gather intelligence for Moscow would not undercut new cooperation.

[Phillip Gordon, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs]:
„We are moving toward a more trusting relationship.  We are beyond the Cold War.  I think our relations absolutely demonstrate that but, as I say, I do not think anyone was hugely shocked to know that some vestiges of old attempts to use intelligence are still there.“

News of the alleged spy ring broke just days after U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Washington.

Foto: NTDTV