Snowden wants freedom of movement, says he is fine at Moscow airport

Contrary to expectations, the meeting of former U.S. intelligence officer Edward Snowden with human rights activists at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport was not a stunt. The fugitive American met with human rights activists indeed and requested asylum in Russia. He agreed on the condition of Vladimir Putin to be able to stay in Russia.

During the meeting, Snowden thanked all countries that sent him their offers - Russia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Ecuador.

Snowden said that he could not fly anywhere from Sheremetyevo, so he could not address to international organizations, because in this case his personal presence would be required, which is impossible under present conditions.

Snowden wants to stay in Russia and the only way to do it is to receive political asylum. In particular, it goes about temporary refuge in Russia, which would allow Snowden to fly to Latin America.

"No actions I take or plan are meant to harm the U.S. .. I want the U.S. to succeed," Snowden said, RT reports.

Vladimir Putin earlier stated that Snowden could receive asylum in Russia only if  he "no longer harms American partners." In other words, Snowden is not going to stop revealing more information, but he is convinced that it should not prevent him from seeking asylum in Russia.

"He said that he needed to take refuge in Russia to move freely. He is quite satisfied with his stay at the airport, because everything is fine there. The only thing he would like to be given is the freedom of movement," an unnamed participant of the meeting told Interfax already after the conversation was over.