Washington, Aug 31 (IANS/RIA Novosti) There was no change in the US’ plans to extradite Russian businessman Viktor Bout, suspected of illegal arms trade from Thailand, the US Department of State said.
‘As far as I know, he remains in Thailand, and we look forward to having him in a courtroom here in the US,’ Philip Crowley, the department’s assistant secretary, told a daily press briefing Monday.
Bout, whose extradition to the US was ordered by a Thai appeals court Aug 20, claimed he had never been involved in arms trade and that there was no evidence of his involvement. Bout also said he knows no Russian state or military secrets.
Russia’s opposition to Bout’s extradition has been linked to its concerns that he could reveal state or military data.
A former Russian army officer, 44 year-old Bout was arrested in March 2008 at the request of the US.
