Snowden dismisses asylum in Russia and Ecuador cannot handle his request
This Tuesday, the former American CIA analyst, Edward Snowden, resigned to seek asylum in Russia. The announcement was made by the Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, who said that Snowden had rescinded of his request “yesterday, when he knew the position of Putin (Russian President) regarding the necessary conditions to stay in Russia renounced his demand.”
On Monday Vladimir Putin assured that Snowden could remain in Russia only if he ceased “activities aimed harm” to the United States. But Snowden “is considered a defender of human rights, it is clear he has no intention of ceasing his activities, so he should choose a country to go and go,” said Putin.
Last Monday, the former CIA analyst accused the U.S. president, Barack Obama, for “pushing the leaders” of countries where he sought protection. This statement was published on the website of WikiLeaks, nine days ago, shortly after Snowden’s departure from Hong Kong.
Snowden applied for asylum in 20 countries, including China, France, Cuba, Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, Spain, Nicaragua and Venezuela, but so far has not received any positive response. Spain and Poland and denied his request, while Austria confirmed receipt of the request. India on its part has denied the request for asylum and showed their support for electronic eavesdropping program in the United States revealed by Snowden.
Ecuador has said it will treat the application only if Snowden is in Ecuadorian soil (embassy or consulate).