Washington, 29 August 1996 (RFE/RL) - The Russian government has asked the United States to discuss a rent increase for Spaso House, the residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Moscow.
U.S. State Department spokesman Glyn Davies said today the two sides are talking about it.
The rapid devaluation of the ruble has reduced rental fees to about $23 a year. In previous years, because of the artificially maintained exchange rate, the United States paid too much rent for Spaso House.
Davies said the United States has responded to Russia's request for negotiations to arrive at a fair rent for the property.