Lindsey Graham responds to Edward Snowden’s Russian asylum
The South Carolina Senator, who has been so irked by Russia not turning over NSA whistleblower, has previously suggested boycotting the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia and moving the G20 summit, also scheduled in Russia this year.
Now that the announcement that Russia granted Edward Snowden a temporary one-year asylum, Graham has made several unreserved statements.
“Americans in Washington should consider this a game changer in our relationship with Russia. Mr. Snowden has been charged with serious crimes and has put American lives at risk at home and abroad,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said.
“Today’s action by the Russian government could not be more provocative and is a sign of Vladimir Putin’s clear lack of respect for President Obama,” he continued. “It is now time for Congress, hopefully in conjunction with the Administration, to make it clear to the Russian government that this provocative step in granting Snowden asylum will be met with a firm response.”
The Hill reports that during an interview with CNN set to air Thursday evening, Graham was asked by “Situation Room” host Wolf Blitzer what he would say to the former Defense contractor if he could speak directly to him.
“You’ve gotten some people killed probably, no matter what your motives were,” Graham said. “The results of your conduct has put some very brave people at risk. … And you did a lot of damage to your country, and you’ve put a lot of people who serve the country in difficult circumstances, under the cover of darkness, at risk. And you’ve got their blood on your hands.”
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