Russian leaders have signaled approval of Venezuela’s offer of asylum for Edward Snowden, who has been stuck in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo-2 airport for nearly two weeks.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Saturday, “As head of state, the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela decided to offer humanitarian asylum to the young American Edward Snowden so that he can live in the homeland” of Hugo Chavez, the Los Angeles Times reports.
“Sanctuary for Snowden in Venezuela would be the best decision,” tweeted Alexei Pushkov, head of the foreign affairs committee of Russia’s Duma, according to the Washington Post. “This country is in sharp conflict with the United States.”
Snowden has applied for asylum in at least 21 countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that it would be best for everyone involved if Snowden were to leave Russia sooner rather than later.
“Given that Snowden’s U.S. passport was revoked and that he has no particular alternative, the proposal, especially coming from the mouth of the head of state, is sure to be accepted,” said another member of the Russian parliament, Alexander Babakov.
The Kremlin and the Foreign Ministry have remained silent on the subject.
Experts have said that the best point for a connecting flight to Venezuela would be Havana, as Moscow has no direct flights to Caracas.
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