US still wants closer ties with Russia

Clinton restates US desire for positive relations despite spy scandal.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, ASSOCIATED PRESS
311_ Hillary Clinton hand gesture (photo credit: Associated Press)
311_ Hillary Clinton hand gesture
(photo credit: Associated Press)
The United States is committed to forging a new relationship with Russia, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on a visit to the Ukraine on Friday.  Her comments came in response to fears the recent uncovering of a Russian spy-ring in the US could harm the warming of ties between Washington and Moscow.
"We're committed to building a new and positive relationship with Russia. We're looking toward the future," Clinton was quoted as saying by AFP.
RELATED:Prosecutors: US network ready to aid spy ringJudge grants ex-Israeli spy US asylumShe declined to comment on the ongoing Russian spy-ring investigation in the US.
A spokesman for the US embassy in Cyprus flatly denied media reports Friday that the US was holding a fugitive Russian spy suspect at its embassy on the island, but did admit the US was helping search for him.
Christopher Metsos, the alleged paymaster for a Russian spy ring, vanished Wednesday after skipping bail in Cyprus, prompting a widespread manhunt by embarrassed Cypriot authorities.
Metsos, 54, is wanted in the United States on charges that he supplied money to the spy ring that operated under deep cover in America's suburbs.
Ten suspects are in custody in the US, where federal prosecutors said Thursday one man had confessed that he worked for Russia's intelligence service. One suspect has been denied bail and bail applications for the other nine are pending in federal courts. Most of the suspects are charged with crimes that carry penalties of up to 25 years.