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Snowden 'allowed to leave airport' Confusion over Edward Snowden travel papers
(about 1 hour later)
Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has been given an official pass to leave Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, Russian airport officials say. Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has not been given Russian travel documents, his lawyer has said, contradicting earlier reports.
Russian media say the migration service issued the document, but the service has not yet commented. Anatoly Kucherena told reporters his client's asylum claim was still under review, and he would remain in transit at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.
However, Mr Snowden's lawyer said his client had not received the documents and would stay in the airport. Airport officials earlier said Mr Kucherena had given Mr Snowden the travel documents.
The US authorities want him extradited for leaking details of government surveillance programmes. The US wants him extradited for leaking details of surveillance programmes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to hand him to the US authorities, but said he could stay in Russia only if he stopped leaking. 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.
He has stayed in the transit area since arriving from Hong Kong on 23 June, and recently requested temporary asylum in Russia. Mr Snowden has stayed in the transit area since arriving from Hong Kong on 23 June, and recently requested temporary asylum in Russia.
Mr Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena visited the airport on Wednesday, and said that his client was staying in the airport. 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.
Mr Kucherena contradicted airport officials, saying his client had not received travel documents, and his asylum request had not yet been decided. He said the application for temporary asylum had not been processed, and no travel documents had been received.
Unnamed airport officials earlier told local media that the lawyer had handed Mr Snowden the documents he needed to leave the airport. "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 Interfax news agency reported that the American would be provided with new clothes before leaving the airport. 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 offersAsylum offers
There was no official comment on news of the pass, which is believed to be an official paper confirming that his asylum application is being considered and allowing him to enter Russian territory.
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.