The father of US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden arrived early yesterday in Moscow, hoping to meet his son for the first time since the latter became a fugitive.

lon snowden

Lon Snowden arrived at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport, where his son had spent more than a month in transit limbo before Moscow agreed to grant him temporary asylum in August. “I’m here to learn more about my son’s situation,” he told journalists at the airport. “My hope is to learn more about his circumstances and his health and to discusslegal options.”

“If the opportunity presents itself, I certainly hope that I have the opportunity to see my son,” Lon Snowden said in televised remarks.

He was met at the airport by Snowden’sRussian lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, who said he will be hosting Lon Snowden as his “guest”. Kucherena said they have not yet decided how long the elder Snowden will stay in the country.