The Ecuador's government announced on Thursday that it had not processed Edward Snowden's asylum request because he had not reached any of its diplomatic premises.

Meanwhile Ecuador's foreign minister Ricardo Patino has made no comment about the possibility his country might grant asylum to Snowden. Patino declined to answer reporter's questions as he was leaving a hotel in Singapore. Patino earlier said on Wednesday that it could take up to two months to decide whether to grant asylum to Snowden. He added that Ecuador would consider its relations with the US when making a decision.

Meanwhile, Russia's foreign ministry says whistle blower Snowden remains in the Moscow airport transit area, and has the right to fly in any direction he wants. He referred to a comment by President Vladimir Putin, who said the sooner that happens, the better.