Reply #5: Russia Said to Uncover Spying by 4 Nations

[IChing]

By STEVE GUTTERMAN
Associated Press Writer


MOSCOW (AP) -- Russia's security chief said Thursday his agency has uncovered spy activity that was being conducted under the cover of non-governmental organizations from the United States, Britain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Federal Security Service chief Nikolai Patrushev also suggested that foreign governments are using NGOs to fund and support changes of power in former Soviet republics.

Patrushev's remarks reflected concern in President Vladimir Putin's Kremlin as it grapples with waning regional influence following the ascent of pro-Western governments in ex-Soviet states. The Kremlin is also worried about outside influence within Russia amid U.S. accusations of backsliding on democracy.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/R/RUSSIA_SPIES?SITE=MNMAN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2005-05-12-13-32-07