DATE=04/11/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S / RUSSIA / SPY (S)

NUMBER=2-288587

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United States and Russia have carried out diplomatic expulsions following Russian allegations that it broke up an American spy ring. Correspondent Nick Simeone has some of the still murky details.

TEXT: An American diplomat has left Moscow after Russia said it had found irrefutable evidence of an attempt by the C-I-A to obtain secret information about Russian weapons technology and capabilities. Now, a U-S official says a Russian diplomat posted in Washington has left the United States.

This latest chapter in alleged spying between Moscow and Washington started with Russia's security service accusing C-I-A officers of drugging a Russian scientist identified only as "Viktor" in order to obtain secret information.

Once a host country expels a diplomat, it's common practice for the diplomat's country of origin to do the same. A U-S official would not comment on the Russian allegations, saying only that the episode is now considered "case closed".

A year ago Russia and the United States each expelled about 50 diplomats following the arrest of F-B-I agent Robert Hanssen who has pleaded guilty of spying for Moscow. (SIGNED)

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