Washington’s allegations over US fugitive Edward Snowden are ‘unacceptable’ as he never crossed the Russian border, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said. As a consequence, any attempt to accuse or threaten Moscow by the US is unfounded.
“Russia has nothing to do with Snowden's movements, he chose route himself and didn't cross the Russian border,” said Lavrov, responding to a question by RT’s correspondent at a press conference with the Algerian foreign minister.
Snowden is thought to still be in Moscow’s Sheremetevo airport, in the transit zone. He is reportedly not able to cross the Russian border because he is not in possession of a valid visa.
The Russian foreign minister’s statements follow strong US rhetoric threatening consequences if Moscow does not comply with the US extradition order against Snowden under the espionage act.
"We expect the Russian government to look at all options available to expel Mr. Snowden back to the US to face justice for the crimes with which he is charged," the White House National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden stressed on Sunday, when Snowden reportedly arrived in the Russian capital.
DETAILS TO FOLLOW
No comments:
Post a Comment