This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23437059
The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 5 | Version 6 |
---|---|
Confusion over Edward Snowden travel papers | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has not been given Russian travel documents, his lawyer has said, contradicting earlier reports. | |
Anatoly Kucherena told reporters his client's asylum claim was still under review, and he would remain in transit at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport. | |
Airport officials earlier said Mr Kucherena had given Mr Snowden the travel documents. | |
The US wants him extradited for leaking details of surveillance programmes. | |
Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to hand him to the American authorities, but said he could stay in Russia only if he stopped leaking US secrets. | |
Mr Snowden has stayed in the transit area since arriving from Hong Kong on 23 June, and recently requested temporary asylum in Russia. | |
Mr Kucherena visited his client at the airport on Wednesday and told a news conference later that the 30-year-old would not yet be leaving the transit area. | |
He said the application for temporary asylum had not been processed, and no travel documents had been received. | |
"He is not planning to leave for now. He asked for temporary asylum, which in the case of a positive decision is granted for a term of one year. Currently his final country of destination is Russia," said Mr Kucherena. | |
The lawyer's account contradicted that of airport officials, who earlier told local media that the lawyer had handed Mr Snowden the documents he needed to leave the airport. | |
The Interfax news agency quoted unnamed officials saying the American would be provided with new clothes before leaving the airport. | |
Asylum offers | Asylum offers |
A number of Latin American states say they are willing to offer Mr Snowden asylum, but he says he first needs Russian asylum in order to be able to travel because the US has cancelled his passport. | A number of Latin American states say they are willing to offer Mr Snowden asylum, but he says he first needs Russian asylum in order to be able to travel because the US has cancelled his passport. |
The US has charged Mr Snowden with leaking classified information. | The US has charged Mr Snowden with leaking classified information. |
Mr Snowden revealed that the National Security Agency (NSA) was collecting Americans' phone records, which civil liberties campaigners say is an unwarranted invasion of privacy. | Mr Snowden revealed that the National Security Agency (NSA) was collecting Americans' phone records, which civil liberties campaigners say is an unwarranted invasion of privacy. |
The White House is urging Congress to reject an attempt to end the practice. | The White House is urging Congress to reject an attempt to end the practice. |
Congressman Justin Amash has introduced an amendment to a defence spending bill that would block funding for the controversial programme. A vote is due shortly. | Congressman Justin Amash has introduced an amendment to a defence spending bill that would block funding for the controversial programme. A vote is due shortly. |
Other revelations stemming from the leaked documents include allegations that US intelligence agencies have been spying on Latin American politicians and businesses, diplomatic missions and EU offices. | Other revelations stemming from the leaked documents include allegations that US intelligence agencies have been spying on Latin American politicians and businesses, diplomatic missions and EU offices. |