RUSSIA: BRITAIN DISMISSES ALLEGATIONS OF SPYING

Описание: (6 May 1996) English/Nat

Britain has dismissed allegations of spying on Russia as "totally unjustified.

Moscow is expelling several British diplomats over links with a Russian national arrested for spying for London.

Russian security officials also say they have discovered espionage equipment.

Russian officials say they are expelling an unspecified number of British diplomats for spying.

Russian counter-intelligence officers arrested a Russian citizen who they claim has admitted to working for British intelligence, M-I-6 in London.

The Moscow Foreign Ministry has protested to British Ambassador Andrew Wood over the use of diplomatic cover by British intelligence officers.

The Russian suspect's name has not been released and British officials in Moscow would not comment on the Allegations.

Despite the spying allegations, life around the British Embassy in Moscow appeared normal on Monday.

One British resident in the diplomatic flats told journalists he didn't know anything about it.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
Well I wouldn't think so, I mean these things happen from time to time. But you have catch me completely unaware because I haven't even heard the news. I knew there was something two years ago, I believe of a similar nature but I mean I'm packing my house so I honestly don't know anything about it.
Q: It looks like it is going to be just one of the biggest expel from Russia, and do think this can change something in the relationship?
A: I wouldn't think so. Relationships would go on, I would hope our relations are good enough to go as before, but I really can't comment with any authority because I haven't got any of the details of what it is or how big it is."
SUPER CAPTION: VOXPOP, British resident

The British Foreign Office in London denies spying - describing the Russian allegations as completely unjustified.

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