Edward J. Snowden, the fugitive American intelligence contractor, broke his silence after three weeks of seclusion on Friday, inviting a handpicked group of Russian human rights figures to visit him in a small conference room at Sheremetyevo Airport, where he told them he hopes to receive political asylum in Russia.
Russia has sought to carve out a neutral position on Mr. Snowden’s case, wary of doing severe or permanent damage to its relationship with the United States. But after Friday’s announcement, it seems likely that Mr. Snowden will remain in Russia for some time, which he said was the only way to guarantee his security until he can safely travel to Latin America, where three countries have offered him asylum.
Ten days ago, President Vladimir V. Putin said Mr. Snowden could stay only if he agreed to “cease his work aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners,” and Mr. Putin’s spokesman reiterated that deal Friday. Human rights figures who visited him on Friday reported that Mr. Snowden said he accepts the conditions. But he has said he does not think his prior dislcosures have hurt American interests, and it remained unclear whether he has plans to continue publishing classified documents.Read the rest of the story HERE and view a related video below:
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