US shrugs off Russian bomber move

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

CRAWFORD, United States (AFP) — The United States on Friday shrugged off Russia's resumption of permanent long-range strategic bomber flights reminiscent of the Cold War, saying "old aircraft out of mothballs" pose no threat.

Asked whether the patrols threatened US national security, White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe told reporters: "I don't think our military has those concerns about it."

"Militaries around the world engage in a variety of different activities and so it's not entirely surprising that the Russian Air Force, the Russian military, might engage in this kind of activity or exercise," he added.

At the US State Department in Washington, spokesman Sean McCormack was blunter: "If Russia feels as though they want to take some of these old...