Snowden not planning to leave Russia for now - lawyer

Former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden has no immediate plans to leave Russia, a lawyer assisting him in his request for temporary asylum said today.

“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,” Anatoly Kucherena told Rossiya 24 new channel after meeting after meeting the 30-year-old.

The United States is seeking clarification from Russian authorities about Mr Snowden's plans, White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

Mr Carney, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, said the US position remained that Snowden should be returned to the United States to face espionage charges.

Mr Snowden arrived in Sheremetyevo from Hong Kong on June 23rd and has requested temporary asylum in Russia until he can safely reach a country that will not send him back to the United States.

Reuters