Thread: Edward Snowden and his stay in Russia

AFAIK Mr Snowden is not going to get the political asylum, but he can get the temporary one, meant for refugees who can't return home because of danger to their life. However, the difference might not matter, as long as he would at last be able to leave the airport.
His application will be reviewed for up to three months, and if it will be approved, he'll get the refugee status, allowing him to live and work in Russia for one year. The term can be prolonged each 12 months. If the refugee status will be lost, he will be obliged to leave the country in a month.
With this status Snowden will be able to take his time and even try to gain the Russian citizenship. Theoretically.
According to an international agreement, he will also be protected from the extradition.
Ironically, according to the formal rules, there won't be need for Putin's interference for this procedure, the ministry handles such matters by itself.
We can only hope that Snowden won't mess up our diplomacy anymore.

Originally Posted by DrBaldhead

We can only hope that Snowden won't mess up our diplomacy anymore.

What has Snowden done against Russia's diplomacy? Would you rather he would have gone elsewhere?
I think it's an opportunity. Most of the rest of the world (short of the USA and the EU) will admire Russia if it handles this elegantly. Teaching the "land of the free" something about allowing free speech and dissenting views in the process.

And in your view, is there ANYTHING that Russia can do, that would make the USA like it? Short of selling the whole country, including the oil, for $1.... and let the USA run things. In a way, that has already been tried, briefly. And it didn't help anyone, or create a good relationship. The USA "needs" enemies, present and "legacy". Russia fluctuates between present and legacy.... And that's after essentially already selling out.

As for the Asylum request: Huh, there is not a FORM for this?! You can just phrase it as you want, in your own words...?
That was a surprise to me.