A television screen shows former U.S. spy agency contractor Snowden during a news bulletin at a cafe at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport
WASHINGTON: A US Senate panel voted unanimously yesterday to seek trade or other sanctions against Russia or any other country that offers asylum to former spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, holed up for weeks at a Moscow airport.
The Senate Appropriations Committee adopted an amendment to a spending bill that would direct Secretary of State John Kerry to come up with sanctions.
Snowden is wanted by the US on espionage charges for revealing details of government intelligence programmes. He arrived in Moscow on June 23 from Hong Kong, where he had fled to escape capture and trial in the US.
He has asked for temporary asylum in Russia until he can reach a country that will shelter him, but the US has made they it be deeply disappointed if Russia lets the fugitive leave the airport.
Bolivia, Nicaragua and Venezuela have said they could offer sanctuary to Snowden.
Reuters
