Sam Brownback: “Yes, State Department and other administration officials have raised the issue frequently with their Russian…”

“Yes, State Department and other administration officials have raised the issue frequently with their Russian counterparts. Furthermore, State and other relevant Government agencies have formed an interagency working group to follow the case and consult on strategy. Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice met with Klebnikov family members to keep them informed on progress. In addition, Secretary Rice's public remarks during her February 5 visit to Warsaw are heartening. She said it ``is important that Russia make clear to the world that it is intent on strengthening the rule of law, strengthening the role of an independent judiciary, permitting a free and independent press to flourish. These are all the basics of democracy.''”