Holder calls for U.S.-Russia cooperation

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, May 17 (UPI) -- U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, speaking Thursday at a legal forum in Russia, said the two countries need to work together.

"Our government leaders and law enforcement officials have worked together to identify and dismantle transnational organized crime networks, illegal human trafficking rings, and global financial fraud schemes," Holder said. "We've made meaningful strides in combating gang violence, cybercrime, intellectual property theft, government corruption, and child exploitation. And as we've bolstered our joint crime-fighting efforts, we've also opened new channels for communication and cooperation in upholding the rule of law, and protecting essential civil rights."

Holder refrained from criticism of Russia's authoritarian political system, although he spoke of the importance of fairness and justice in achieving a good society. He spoke instead of Russia's importance as a global player.

"From my vantage point, it's clear that the 21st century will be shaped by how well we build on this progress; and, in a very real sense, by what happens here in this nation," he said. "Today, Russia is not just the largest country on the planet -- it is an influential player on the world stage."