Former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden remained stranded for the fifth straight night at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport.

 
The U.S. fugitive, under charges of espionage, flew from Hong Kong to Moscow on Sunday. He remains hidden in the transit area of the Moscow airport with his next destination undisclosed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on Tuesday that the former U.S. spy agency contractor was still in the transit area of the airport during a visit to Finland.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that Snowden was still in Moscow and Russia hoped that he could leave as early as possible.

The transit area of the airport is equipped with communication facilities, such as telephone, fax and wi-fi service, which provide Snowden easy access to the outside world.

Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino Aroca had confirmed Snowden had applied for asylum in the country, but he said on Wednesday that there would be no quick decision from the Ecuadorian government on whether to grant asylum status to Snowden.

It is speculated that Snowden is likely to remain stranded in the Moscow airport for a longer time.

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