The National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden is seeking temporary asylum in Russia so he can eventually make his way to permanent refuge in Latin America. Snowden made the announcement in a meeting with representatives of human rights groups in Russia.

Edward Snowden: “I did not seek to enrich myself. I did not seek to sell U.S. secrets. I did not partner with any foreign government to guarantee my safety. I ask for your assistance in requesting guarantees of safe passage from the relevant nations in securing my travel to Latin America as well as requesting asylum in Russia until such time as these states accede to law and my legal travel is permitted.”

Snowden cannot leave Russia because the United States has revoked his passport. Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua have all floated asylum offers since Snowden was left stranded last month. Russia has asked Snowden to stop harming U.S. interests if he wants to stay. One of the Russian activists who attended Friday’s session said Snowden believes he meets those conditions because his leaks are not damaging the United States.

Tatiana Lokshina, Human Rights Watch: “He did not find Putin’s remark, as regard to the possibility of his getting asylum in Russia, problematic because, as he says, he did not do any harm to the United States, and he was not planning to do any damage. So, yes, he wants to stay here officially, but he perceives it as a temporary state, because eventually he would want to move to Latin America.”