Over half of Russians think positive of Snowden: pollAugust 1, 2013 - 11:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Over half of Russians on the whole approve of what fugitive U.S. former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden did, an opinion survey by the Levada Center pollster has shown, according to RIA Novosti. Snowden, who is wanted by the United States for leaking classified data about the U.S. National Security Agency’s surveillance programs, formally requested temporary asylum in Russia on July 16. Washington has repeatedly called on Moscow to reject Snowden’s request and send him back to the United States to stand trial on charges of espionage and theft. According to the survey published Wednesday, 15 percent of respondents said they have a positive attitude toward Snowden’s leaking activities, whereas 36 percent said they were “rather positive” about it. Fourteen percent said they were “rather negative” about what Snowden had done, while 3 percent totally disapproved of his actions. A total of 32 percent had not made up their minds. Asked whether Russia should grant asylum to Snowden, 13 percent of respondents said it should, 30 percent said “probably,” 19 percent said “probably not,” whereas 10 percent were against it. Some 28 percent said they did not know. The survey was conducted on July 18-22, 2013 among 1,601 urban and rural residents aged 18 and above in 130 cities, towns and villages across 45 Russian regions. The statistical margin of error did not exceed 3.4 percent. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |