Putin plays no part in Snowden's fate

Russia's President Vladimir Putin does not participate discussions regarding fate of former CIA contractor Edward Snowden, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. "Snowden has not made any request which need to be considered by the head of state," he said, adding that Putin doesn't touch upon this subject with his American colleagues as "Snowden’s fate is being discussed through the top level channels of FSB and FBI." He also highlighted that the President's schedule should be sufficient proof that he adheres to prior plans instead of supervising the Snowden situation. "Snowden’s appeal for a temporary asylum in Russia is not on Putin’s agenda,” the presidential spokesman concluded. Peskov did not reply if Snowden pledged to meet conditions previosly voiced by Putin’s under which he should sieze any activity undermining the United States if he wished to be granted temporary asylum in Russia. “The president expressed these conditions firmly and I have no doubts that they will be met,” Peskov concluded. On Wednesday there was no consensus in Washington over the Snowden situation. Commenting on the issue, White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest said: "There are a number of ongoing conversations between Obama administration officials and Russian officials... At this point, the Russian authorities, neither publicly nor in private, have made clear exactly the status of Mr. Snowden." The next day deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department Marie Harf announced that Washington has received the requested clarification from Moscow, without providing further details.   On Thursday U.S. Congress proposed sanctions against any country offering asylum to Edward Snowden. Alis James, press secretary of the bill's author Lindsey Graham, stated that the bill is quite concise and suggests that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry "to consult with the appropriate congressional committees on sanction options against any country that provides asylum to Mr. Snowden, including revocation or suspension of trade privileges and preferences." Russian Justice Ministry has also received a letter from US Attorney General explaining some aspects of US stance on the status of Edward Snowden; it contained no offcial extradition requests. Snowden has applied for a temporary asylum in Russia, a response to which may take up to three months. Meanwhile, as as per standard procedure, The Federal Migration Service has to provide the applicant with a certificate, allowing free travel on the territory of the Russian Federation. Allegedly, the certificate has brought to Sheremetyevo, where Snowden was staying for the past several week.