Espionage cannot be "cynical," says Russian Prime Minister.

From Agência Brasil

Brasilia - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said today (1st) that spying is the job of the secret services, but that the activity should not be done in a "cynical" way. "It's not pleasant when you're spied on. Leaders are angry. I understand them," explained the head of state, referring specifically to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose cell phone was allegedly intercepted by the United States National Security Agency (NSA).

French President François Hollande and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy also expressed their disapproval last week when the international press reported that the US Secret Service was monitoring their respective countries' communications. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was one of the first world leaders to demand explanations from the United States regarding the NSA's espionage practices, following reports in the press that her phone calls were being intercepted.

"Can the situation be calmed down? I think it's possible. But, to be honest, no guarantee will help in this case. What are you going to say? 'Sorry, I won't do it anymore?' or 'We won't wiretap your calls?' Nobody will believe you," said Medvedev.

All this information about the NSA's actions against various world leaders is within the context of documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. In the meantime, several countries have been coordinating efforts to explore the possibilities of regulating international espionage.

With information from Itar-Tass.

Edited by: Valéria Aguiar