2010-06-29 16:43

MOSCOW -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday that his country awaits explanations from the US side on the detention of alleged Russian spies, news agencies reported.

"We were not told what was going on. I hope that will be explained. The only thing I can say was the time it was done was selected with a special grace," said the Russian top diplomat at a Jerusalem news conference after meeting with his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman.

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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has just concluded his tour to the United States, during which he and his US counterpart Barack Obama vowed to reset and broaden bilateral ties.

Earlier an official from the ministry said information concerning the spy scandal was contradictory.

"Messages are being studied, which are controversial and require further clarification," said the official.

Head of Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Sergei Ivanov, on Tuesday also declined to comment on the incident.

US Justice Department said Monday authorities have arrested 10 suspects on charges of spying for Russia. Court documents show they tried to penetrate decision-making circles of the US government.

The suspects were all members of a Russian intelligence program that operates inside the United States, and they all were arrested on Sunday.

According to a Justice Department statement, they were allegedly carrying out long-term, "deep-cover" assignments in the United States on behalf of the Russian Federation. One suspect remains at large.