05 December 1997
TEXT: STATE DEPT. ON AMERICAN CHARGED WITH ESPIONAGE IN RUSSIA
(U.S. protests Russia's action against Richard Bliss) (280) Washington -- The State Department released a statement December 5 saying it had called in the Russian ambassador "to protest the Russian government's filing of espionage charges against Richard Bliss, an American citizen" and had asked for Bliss's immediate release. The statement continued, "The United States is disturbed that the Russian authorities took this step as there is no credible reason for the accusations made against him." State Department Deputy Spokesman James B. Foley added, "The incident could have negative consequences for our efforts to promote commercial ties with Russia and Russia's desire to Integrate into the international community." Following is the text of the statement: (Begin text) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman December 5, 1997 STATEMENT BY JAMES B. FOLEY, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN AMERICAN CHARGED IN RUSSIA The Department of State today called in the Russian Ambassador to protest the Russian government's filing of espionage charges against Richard Bliss, an American citizen. We are urging the Russian government to release Mr. Bliss immediately. The United States is disturbed that the Russian authorities took this step, as there is no credible reason for the accusations made against him. Mr. Bliss is an engineer who was conducting legitimate business activities in a joint venture to develop a cellular telephone network in Rostov. This incident could have negative consequences for our efforts to promote commercial ties with Russia and Russia's desire to integrate into the international community. Many Americans will be watching these developments closely. We have raised this matter at the highest levels and will continue to do so. (End text)
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