Washington says process of Bout's extradition remains unchanged
05:13 31/08/2010 WASHINGTON, August 31 (RIA Novosti) - There is no change in an anticipated extradition of Russian businessman Viktor Bout, suspected by Washington of illegal arms trade, from Thailand to the United States, the U.S. Department of State said.
"As far as I know, he remains in Thailand, and we look forward to having him in a courtroom here in the United States," Philip Crowley, the department's assistant secretary, told a daily press briefing.
Bout, whose extradition to the United States was ordered by the Thai appeals court on August 20, claimed he had never been involved in the arms trade and that there was no evidence of his involvement in the business.
Bout said on Friday he knows no Russian state or military secrets.
Moscow's opposition to Bout's extradition are linked with concerns that he could reveal state or military data.
A former Russian army officer, 44 year-old Bout was arrested in March 2008 at the request of the United States.
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