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US seeking access to ex-Marine detained in Russia: Pompeo
BRASILIA, Jan 2, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – The United States is expecting to
quickly get consular access to a former Marine arrested in Russia for alleged
spying to learn more about the charges, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
said Wednesday.
“If the detention is not appropriate we will demand his immediate return,”
Pompeo told reporters while on a visit to Brazil, where he was attending the
inauguration of that country’s new government.
Russia’s FSB security service said Monday it had detained the American,
who he said was “carrying out an act of espionage.”
The man was identified as Paul Whelan, 48, a former Marine now employed as
director of global security at US-based automotive components supplier
BorgWarner.
Whelan’s family said he was visiting Moscow to attend a wedding and denied
he was a spy.
Pompeo said in Brasilia: “We are hopeful within the next hours we will get
consular access to see him and get a chance to learn more.”
He added that “we have made clear to the Russians our expectation that we
will learn more about the charges and come to understand what it is he has
been accused of.”
BSS/AFP/BZC/1850HRS