MOSCOW — The Foreign Ministry on Thursday complained that it had not been properly informed by United States authorities that a group of Russian citizens had been arrested on charges of smuggling microelectronics, raising “serious concerns” for Russia, Interfax reported.
“A lot is unclear in this story. It raises serious concerns, and we are counting on U.S. authorities to protect the rights and interests of the Russian citizens who have been arrested and face these charges,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told journalists.
Ryabkov said diplomats had so far met with one of the eight suspects arrested on charges of illegally exporting U.S. military technologies to Russian defense and intelligence agencies. Eleven people are accused of taking part in the scheme.
Oh yeah...that quote:
"On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it’s important for him to give me space,” Obama told Medvedev, asking him to pass the comments on to incoming Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Medvedev got the political import right away.
"Yeah, I understand," Medvedev said, the mic catching it all. "I understand your message about space.”
Obama said he would be in a better position to make a deal once he got through his re-election bid.
"This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility," Obama said.
Again, the Russian president appeared to understood(sic) the politics involved.
"I will transmit this information to Vladimir," he told the president.
Perhaps Vladimir Putin is more realistic about Obama's chances.
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