It is important to the United States that the killers of journalist Paul Klebnikov "be brought swiftly to justice -- and swift accountability in this case is important to avoid a climate of fear for journalists," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher July 14.

Klebnikov, an American, had been editor of the Russian-language edition of Forbes magazine since April. He was shot to death near his office in Moscow July 9.

The United States has "kept in touch with Russian law enforcement authorities" and has offered to assist the investigating authorities "in any way that might help with the apprehension and punishment of the killers. So far, Russian law enforcement authorities haven't felt they needed any of that assistance, but the offer is still there," Boucher said during the regular State Department briefing.

"We are pleased with the high level attention that Russia has been showing in this case," he said.

Boucher described Klebnikov as "a courageous and talented journalist, who represented the best of American values of fair play, equality and openness, and we pay tribute to him here."

"We've made clear our general views about the state of the media in Russia and the need for open media," Boucher said.