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Confusion over Edward Snowden travel papers Confusion over Edward Snowden travel papers
(35 minutes later)
Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has not been given Russian travel documents, his lawyer has said, contradicting earlier reports.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. Anatoly Kucherena told reporters his client would remain in the transit zone at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, where he has been for the past month.
Airport officials earlier said Mr Kucherena had given Mr Snowden the travel documents. Earlier, airport officials said that Mr Kucherena had given Mr Snowden the travel documents.
The US wants him extradited for leaking details of surveillance programmes.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.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 Snowden has stayed in the airport's transit area since arriving from Hong Kong on 23 June.
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 has requested temporary asylum in Russia, and said recently that his favoured final destination was Latin America.
'Studying Russian culture'
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 airport.
He said the application for temporary asylum had not been processed, and no travel documents had been received.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. "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," 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 lawyer said Mr Snowden wanted to study Russian culture, and claimed he had dropped off books including Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment.
Mr Kucherena'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.The Interfax news agency quoted unnamed officials saying the American would be provided with new clothes before leaving the airport.
After the lawyer's news conference, the White House said it wanted clarity from Russia on his status.
Spokesman Jay Carney said Washington had already made it clear to Moscow that Mr Snowden should be handed over to face espionage charges.
Asylum offersAsylum 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. The Snowden affair has caused diplomatic ructions around the world, upsetting America's close allies and its traditional enemies.
The US has charged Mr Snowden with leaking classified information. Leaks by the former CIA worker have led to revelations that the US National Security Agency (NSA) is 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, EU offices and officials from close allies including Germany.
Opponents of the US, including Bolivia, Venezuela and Nicaragua, have all offered him asylum.
He has said he first needs Russian asylum in order to be able to travel, because the US has cancelled his passport.
In one of the most bizarre episodes of the saga, the jet of Bolivian President Evo Morales was last month diverted to Austria as it flew from Moscow to La Paz.
The Bolivians accused France, Spain, Portugal and Italy of denying the plane permission to fly over their territory because the US believed Mr Snowden was on board.
After weeks of complaining about his treatment, Mr Morales said on Wednesday he had accepted apologies from the four European countries.