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An espionage dispute is unfolding between Russia and the United States as the two Cold War-era rivals try to reset their relationship.

U.S. Justice Department announced on Monday that authorities had busted a spy ring suspected of conducting long-term, "deep-cover" espionage for Moscow. Court documents said that the 11 suspects had tried to penetrate decision-making circles of the U.S. government.

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Ten of the alleged spies, including four couples, were arrested on Sunday inside the United States. Cypriot authorities on Tuesday detained a Canadian man believed to be the 11th member, who was traveling with a U.S. passport.

Cypriot police said that the arrest of Robert Christofers Metsos, 55, was made under an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol at the request of U.S. authorities, and that Metsos would be extradited.

This drawing shows five of the 10 arrested Russian spy suspects in a New York courtroom. U.S. Justice Department announced Monday authorities have arrested 10 suspects on charges of spying for Russia. [Xinhua]

According to U.S. court documents, all the defendants face a criminal charge of conspiring to act as unlawful agents of the Russian Federation within the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Nine of them are also accused of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, showed the court files.

In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday during a trip to Jerusalem that his country awaits explanations from the U.S. side.

"We were not told what was going on. I hope that will be explained. The only thing I can say was the time it was done was selected with a special grace," said the top Russian diplomat.

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