U.S. to Russia: Turn over Snowden or risk 'long-term problems'
The White House left no doubt on Tuesday that American "patience" with Russia "playing host" to NSA leaker Edward Snowden is wearing thin. [arrogance] - “The Russian government has an opportunity here to work with us,” press secretary Jay Carney told reporters at his daily briefing. “This should not be something that causes long-term problems for U.S.-Russian relations.” [veiled threat] Washington and Moscow have been “engaging on a number of important issues, both economic and security related issues, and we want to continue that relationship unimpeded by this issue,” Carney added. By turning over Snowden, or at least expelling him, Russia could “resolve this situation that they have been dealing with now for three weeks.” Could the dispute over Snowden lead Obama to cancel his planned attendance at the Group of 20 summit in Russia? Carney did not close out that possibility. "The president intends to travel to Russia in September for the G20 summit. And I don't have any further announcements." By the standards of diplo-speak, that’s nearly a “frank and candid exchange of views” – code for an all out verbal fight. Carney's comments came after Snowden's lawyer asked Russia to give the former NSA contractor-turned-secrets-spiller temporary asylum, saying his client could face persecution and even torture or death. Carney repeatedly underlined that Snowden, if handed over, “should be afforded every bit of due process here in the United States.” [lie]
PressTV: US sends strong warning to Russia over Snowden
Jason Ditz: White House Threatens Russia Over Snowden
The Guardian: Former GOP Senator: Snowden 'Courageous Whistleblower'
The Atlantic: The Creepy, Long-Standing Practice of Undersea Cable Tapping