U.S. seeking clarification from Russia on Snowden's status

         
The United States is seeking clarification from Russian authorities about any changes to the status of former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, White House spokesman Jay Carney said on Wednesday.            

Carney, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, said the U.S. position remained that Snowden should be returned to the United States to face espionage charges.  
          
A lawyer assisting Snowden in his request for temporary asylum said on Wednesday the 30-year-old was not planning to leave Russia for now.           

"He is not planning to leave for now. He asked for temporary asylum, which in the case of a positive decision, is granted for a term of one year. Currently his final country of destination is Russia," Anatoly Kucherena told Rossiya 24 new channel after meeting after meeting the 30-year-old.                   


REUTERS