Snowden formally asks political asylum in Russia(2)

The Chamber urged the White House to pay more attention to democracy in the United States and to investigate reports about bugging the European Union's missions.

It also offered to set up a working group within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to investigate the situation around the US fugitive who has been in the legal limbo since his arrival at Moscow's Sheremetyavo airport seven days ago from Hong Kong.

The discussion participants also highlighted that Snowden deserved to be granted asylum in Russia if there would be a wide consensus over the issue in the country.

Snowden remains in the airport transit area being unable to quit it after the US government canceled his passport.

The Russian government, however, has been more reserved in its attitude toward Snowden's saga. Kremlin so far remains silent over the latest developments.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov Sunday reiterated remarks of the Putin made last week that Snowden has not technically crossed Russia's border, saying "I am not ready to comment on this at the moment."

"This subject is, consequently, not on Kremlin's agenda," Peskov told a local radio.

Earlier Monday, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin has not discussed the issue so far with his US and Venezuelan counterparts.

Putin on Monday suggested that Snowden might stay in Russia "if he stops damaging the US partners" and insisted the Russian special services did not approach Snowden.

"Snowden is not our agent. Neither does he cooperate with us, nor do we work with him," Putin noted.

Still, Putin stressed, the US whistleblower would not be welcomed to Russia if he proceeds with his human rights activities.

The Sheremetyevo transit area is technically not under the Russia's jurisdiction, but Snowden's reported presence at a Moscow airport mounts tension between Russia and the US since his arrival there last week.