Moscow Wonders Why Washington Takes No Action Toward Russian Media Tycoon Vladimir Gusinsky

Moscow can only wonder why Washington is taking no action toward Russian media tycoon Vladimir Gusinsky, now in the United States, who has been prosecuted in Russia with the subsequent issue of an international arrest warrant. Not only does Washington ignore this fact, it encouraged the reception of Gusinsky in the Department of State and Congress. "We cannot but reject such an approach," says a Russian foreign ministry statement. Against the background of all rhetoric about the importance of a joint battle against financial offences, the practical moves taken by the American authorities indicate that political considerations are above all. It is a hindrance to Russian-American cooperation in combating financial and economic crimes which are a target of concern for both countries, says the Russian foreign ministry.