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Washington - A Thai court's refusal to extradite a Russian man to the United States to face weapons smuggling charges was disappointing, the US State Department said Tuesday.

The Bangkok court concluded the evidence against Viktor Bout was insufficient and dismissed the case, leaving prosecutors with a 72-hour window to file an appeal.

"Obviously, we're disappointed in the court decision," State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said, adding Washington was hopeful an appeal would be successful.

"There is a prospect for the Thai government to appeal this lower court verdict," he said. "But what they decide to do will be governed by Thai law."