Russian, U.S. Presidents discuss Snowden issue over phoneJuly 13, 2013 - 09:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Barack Obama have discussed by phone urgent bilateral relations issues as well as the situation around fugitive U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, the Kremlin said Saturday, July 13. “On the initiative of the American side, the two presidents had a telephone conversation. Putin and Obama exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and security topics. They also discussed the situation around Snowden,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said without giving any details of the talks, RIA Novosti reported. The White House later issued a similar statement, confirming the talks but avoiding elaboration on the issue. Snowden, who is wanted by Washington on charges of espionage and property theft after he leaked details of secret state surveillance programs, has been holed up in a transit zone at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport since his arrival on a June 23 flight from Hong Kong. During a meeting with a dozen prominent Russian lawyers and rights activists at the airport on Friday, Snowden announced plans to ask for temporary asylum in Russia hoping to arrange an eventual safe passage to Latin America. The White House immediately criticized Russia for providing a “propaganda platform”for Snowden’s announcement. White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters Friday that Snowden’s announcement undermines “Russian assurances that they do not want Mr. Snowden to further damage US interests.” President Putin said last month that Moscow would consider granting Snowden asylum under the condition that he stop his work aimed at “damaging our American partners,” an option Snowden initially rejected, but apparently accepted after failing to secure safe passage to Latin American countries that offered him asylum - Bolivia, Nicaragua and Venezuela. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |