Russians vow to act over US decision to expel diplomats

Russian officials have vowed to "adequately respond" to a US decision to expel 50 Russian diplomats.

The reaction raises the possibility that American diplomats will soon be sent packing from Moscow.

Russia's Foreign Minister called the US move a groundless, "political" act reminiscent of the Cold War.

"Naturally, as it has before, Russia will firmly and steadfastly defend its national interests and will adequately respond to this unfriendly step by the United States," Igor Ivanov said, reading a statement on Government-controlled ORT television.

"At the same time, the Russian leadership assumes that in Washington, the policy and logic of those who try to push mankind and the United States (back) into the epoch of the Cold War and confrontation won't prevail."

Mr Ivanov said there were no grounds for the imminent expulsion of six Russian diplomats and the forced departure of 45 more by July, and he expressed regret that Washington had not used its "special channels" with Moscow to quietly address its concerns.

"Unfortunately, Washington has chosen another way, so this step cannot be regarded as anything but a political one," Mr Ivanov said.

US officials said that four Russian diplomats had been directly implicated in the case of Robert Hanssen, a 25-year veteran of the FBI who was arrested last month and charged with passing secrets to Moscow for the past 15 years.

Two other diplomats who were also allegedly involved in the case departed the United States recently.

The US government has demanded the departure of 46 others as a gesture of concern over Russia's alleged stepping-up of intelligence operations in the United States over the past four years, officials said.