The United States has reiterated its demand for the extradition of former Russian nuclear minister Yevgeny Adamov who is currently detained in Switzerland, Swiss officials said Friday.

Folco Galli, a spokesman for the Federal Justice Office, told reporters that the US was still intent on bringing Adamov to justice. Adamov is accused by Washington of embezzling 9 million US dollars that had been destined for nuclear-safety upgrades in Russia.

But Galli added that the former minister would now have to remain in detention in Switzerland until Bern decided which one of the United States and Russia had the stronger case, since Russia is also calling for his extradition for the same reason.

On Tuesday Adamov said he was willing to be extradited to Russia to face trial for his alleged crimes.

Adamov, Russia's atomic energy minister from 1998 to 2001, was arrested in Bern on May 2 on the request of the United States.

Russian authorities, concerned that he could divulge nuclear secrets if extradited to the US, have demanded he be sent to Russia to face charges there.

Source: Xinhua