Edward Snowden's lawyer says at least for now, Russia is the "final destination" for the National Security Agency leaker.

Edward Snowden (Getty Images)
Edward Snowden (Getty Images)
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He says Snowden intends to stay in Russia and study the language and culture. He's applied for temporary asylum.

The lawyer's comments came amid news reports that the American was about to receive documents allowing him to leave the Moscow airport's transit zone where he's been for more than a month. But the lawyer says there is no such paperwork.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says the Obama administration has made clear to the Russians its desire to see Snowden returned to the U.S. to face espionage charges.

Snowden has been marooned in the Moscow airport since June 23.

 

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