FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         CRM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1996                        (202) 616-2777
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

  STATEMENT OF THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT REGARDING VLADIMIR GALKIN

     The Department of Justice filed a motion today to dismiss the
criminal complaint in which former KGB officer Vladimir Galkin was
charged with attempted espionage and conspiracy.  Galkin was
arrested October 29, 1996, when he entered the United States
through John F. Kennedy airport. 

     The Central Intelligence Agency was advised, prior to Galkin's
entry, of the proposed arrest.  While concerns were raised, in the
end no objections were interposed.

     In retrospect, and after further consultations within the
government, the CIA has concluded, and the State Department has
concurred, that the national interest would best be served by
dismissing the charges.  The Department of Justice has accepted
this recommendation and moved to dismiss the case.

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96-555