Moscow not amused with having to deal with 'China's problem child Snowden'

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ANI Washington
Last Updated : Jun 29 2013 | 11:00 AM IST

Russia's presidential administration in Kremlin is reportedly aggravated with NSA whistleblower Edward Sowden's presence at the Moscow airport and considers him as China's problem which has flew down to their land.

Snowden, who is still in the 'transit area' of Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport for the sixth day straight after fleeing from Hong Kong in a bit to escape US extradition is yet to have any decision made over his asylum claim.

The Kremlin's human-rights envoy, Vladimir Lukin has said that Snowden flying to Moscow has created a serious problem as China's issue has become Russia's issue and now they have to deal with it, Wall Street Journal reports.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has denied US' extradition request and calling him a 'free man' said that it will be better for both Snowden and Russia if he chooses his final destination sooner.

According to the report, Putin's stand made Kremlin's approach clear that Russia would not stop Snowden from escaping the US prosecution but would not help him stay in Russia either.

Meanwhile, as US has revoked Snowden's passport, Russian government would need to issue him a visa thereby increasing the level of cooperation but the US has been consistently warning intermediary countries and Ecuador of 'grave consequences' if Snowden is granted asylum there.

Ecuador's foreign minister Ricardo Patino has confirmed having talks with Russian authorities regarding Snowden's exit from the Moscow airport but has refused to provide further details.

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Snowden's father Lonnie Snowden has acknowledged that his son broke the law but does not believes that he has betrayed the people of the US and that Edward would consider returning to the US if the Justice Department promises not to hold him before trial and not subject him to a gag order.

According to the report, both Russia and the US have said that they don't want to let Snowden sabotage joint efforts to improve diplomatic relations after a year and a half of mutual hostility and though Snowden has not yet made an asylum claim in Russia, if he makes such a claim it may land Russia in deep diplomatic trouble.

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First Published: Jun 29 2013 | 10:35 AM IST

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