08 December 1997

TEXT: ALBRIGHT WELCOMES RELEASE OF AMERICAN HELD BY RUSSIA

("No credible reason for charges" against Robert Bliss) (190)



Washington -- In a statement by State Department spokesman James P.
Rubin December 6, he said Secretary of State Albright welcomes the
release of Robert Bliss who was arrested in Russia last week on
charges of espionage.


On Friday, December 5, the State Department requested the release of
the American, saying, "Mr. Bliss is an engineer who was conducting
legitimate business activities in a joint venture to develop a
cellular telephone network in Rostov.


"We have raised this matter at the highest levels and will continue to
do so."


Following is the text of the statement:



(Begin text)



Spokesman James P. Rubin

Statement on release of Richard Bliss

U.S. Mission to the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, December 6,
1997
As released by the Office of the Spokesman

U.S. Department of State



The Secretary welcomes the release of Mr. Bliss. As we have stated, we
believe there was no credible reason for the charges of espionage made
against him. We understand that he is being released while the Russian
investigation continues. We understand that he will be required to
stay in Rostov.


(End text)