Russian politologist: Belarus is the only way out for Snowden

Unlike presidents of Venezuela and Nicaragua, Lukashenka has nothing to lose.

The website iarex.ru quotes Grigory Trofimchuk, a Russian politologist and first vice president of the Strategic Development Modeling Center.

“Belarus is the most suitable variant for Snowden, because Lukashenka will hardly find arguments to reject [his application for asylum]. Nicaragua and Venezuela are too close to the US. Washington will put pressure on Daniel Ortega and Nicaragua as soon as the hacker is found in this country. Nicolás Maduro in the same situation will face pressure a little bit later.

“Bolivia is a good tester. Its president, who was humiliatingly forced to land in Austria, didn't even expel the American ambassador, because he 'had expelled it before'. Latin Americans are as emotional and strong as Arabs. We mustn't forget that Maduro is not Hugo Chavez who would have agreed, even with pleasure, for this publicity stunt and risk. The main task for Maduro is keeping the fragile political balance in the country that would be shattered by Snowden's arrival in this hospitable country. It's stupid to risk Venezuela, his own life and power for Snowden, because he is not Lenin in emigration. The hacker did everything he could. There's not sense in taking him under Maduro's wing,” the politologist said.

Opinions that the ex-CIA employee may apply for asylum in Belarus have already been heard before. In particular, this suggestion was made by Leonid Kalashnikov, the first deputy chair of the Russian Duma Committee on International Affairs. The official said it was possible that the ex-CIA whistleblower would go to Minsk.

As of June 25, Snowden didn't apply to the Belarusian MFA for political asylum.

Heads of Bolivia, Venezuela and Nicaragua have said they are ready to give asylum for the fugitive whistleblower.

Photo: kontinentusa.com