US, Russia end spy row

Igor Ivanov and Colin Powell: Moving on

The US and Russia have agreed to end tit-for-tat expulsions in the spy row that has disrupted relationships for the past week.

We are prepared to move on the relationship

US Secretary of State Colin Powell

Last week Washington announced it was expelling 50 Russian diplomats, alleging that some had links with the accused spy Robert Hanssen - an FBI agent charged with spying for Moscow for 15 years.

Moscow responded by expelling a like number of US diplomats.

On Tuesday, the US expressed indignation over Russia's response and held out the possibility of US retaliation.

'Unwarranted'

We should also like to regard the question as over

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov

But later that day, Secretary of State Colin Powell told Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov that the United States had decided not to go ahead.

Mr Powell told Mr Ivanov that Russia's action was "unwarranted and unfortunate, but that we recognise it was proportionate to what we had done.

"Therefore, we're prepared to move on the relationship."

Robert Hanssen could face the death penalty if convicted

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov welcomed Washington's assurance "that it wishes the issue of the mutual expulsion of diplomats to be considered as closed".

"We should also like to regard the question as over and we will be able to get down to business and conduct a constructive dialogue on all questions which interest Russia and the US," he said.

The White House said its decision to declare the 50 Russians "persona non grata" was linked to the recent arrest of an FBI agent, Robert Hanssen.

Mr Hanssen could face the death penalty if convicted of the charges, which he denies.