“The US is disappointed and disagrees with the determination by Hong Kong authorities not to honor the US request for the arrest of the fugitive," the official told Reuters.
The US Justice Department has been in “continual contact” with Hong Kong authorities since the prominent whistleblower first revealed his identity and whereabouts on June 10, Reuters reports.
Hong Kong did not raise any issues in regard the sufficiency of the documents provided with the US request for Snowden’s arrest. “In light of this, we find their decision to be particularly troubling,” the official said.
Earlier the US State Department issued a statement warning the countries of the ‘Western Hemisphere” about reports that Edward Snowden might be looking refuge in the region and urging them to not let the whistleblower in and assist with returning him to the US.
“The US is advising these governments that Snowden is wanted on felony charges, and as such should not be allowed to proceed in any further international travel, other than is necessary to return him to the United States," the official said as cited by Reuters.
