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Spying charge upsets U.S.-Russia relations

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Engineer accused of espionage

December 5, 1997
Web posted at: 9:41 p.m. EST (0241 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States is warning Russia that pursuing charges of espionage against an American telecommunications expert could damage Russian-American relations -- at a time when the Russians need more U.S. economic help.

Richard Bliss, a 29-year-old engineer, was taken into custody in the Black Sea city of Rostov-on-Don 10 days ago. On Friday he was formally accused of espionage, the first American to face such charges since the end of the Cold War.

Bliss was working for Qualcomm Inc., a San Diego firm installing a cellular phone system in the area. He was arrested for using a hand-held global positioning device, which utilizes satellites to pinpoint locations on the Earth's surface.

Qualcomm officials say use of the device was part of Bliss's job, necessary to conduct land surveys to install the phone system. But officials of the Russian Federal Security Service, or FSB, accuse him of using the device to obtain secret information on unspecified "restricted" buildings in the Rostov-on-Don area.

Russian officials say the equipment he was using was not listed on Bliss's customs declaration. Bliss admitted illegally importing the equipment but denied being involved in espionage, according to a statement from the FSB.

"These explanations were contradicted by other materials which the investigative officers have," the statement said.

U.S. officials have strongly denied that Bliss is a spy, saying he has no connection with the U.S. government. Qualcomm officials have offered assurances to the U.S. government that they had the appropriate licenses for the equipment Bliss was using.

"Interfering with those pursuing legitimate commercial activities, who are employed by enterprises doing legitimate business in Russia, sends a very bad signal and could put a chilling effect on commercial relations that are important to future economic prosperity in Russia," said White House spokesman Mike McCurry.

The wrangling over Bliss's arrest has reached the highest diplomatic levels. On Friday, U.S. Vice President Al Gore discussed the matter directly by phone with Russian Prime Minister Victor Chernomyrdin, warning the Russian government to back off on the charges.

In Washington, Russian Ambassador Yuli Vorontsov was summoned to the U.S. State Department on Friday to receive a formal demand for Bliss's release. On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright raised the issue with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Mamedov at a meeting in Washington.

U.S. officials tell CNN that they fear Russia is boxing itself in by making such a public stir over this case. They warn that investments by American businesses could slow if Russia is seen as mistreating U.S. workers.

Members of the U.S. Congress, already angry about Russian arms deals with Iran, could also pull the plug on any more economic aid to Russia. U.S. pledges of money to pay for dismantling Russia's leftover nuclear weapons could also be jeopardized.

Qualcomm officials said Bliss's Russian attorney expects Russian prosecutors to ask for $5 million in bail. The company was making arrangements to post the money.

In Longview, Washington, Bliss' family members say they are concerned about what might happen to him. If convicted, he could face 10 to 20 years in prison.

"We are deeply devastated by these absurd allegations," said his brother, John Bliss. "To suggest that he was in any way involved in espionage or any form of spying is completely preposterous."

Correspondents Ralph Begleiter and Jill Dougherty and Reuters contributed to this report.

 
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