Menu
17/08/2012
Assange Asylum Decision Criticised
The decision by Ecuador to grant Wikileaks founder Julian Assange political asylum has been criticised by both the UK and Sweden.
Assange took refuge at Ecuador's London embassy in June as he faced extradition to Sweden over sexual assault claims, which he denies.
The UK has said it will not allow him safe passage out of the country.
Ecuador's Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said he hoped talks with the UK would "overcome this".
Speaking to BBC Mundo Patino said the UK should respect Ecuador's "sovereign decision" otherwise "we will use the alternatives under international law to demand the safe passage".
He added: "We don't think it is reasonable that, after a sovereign government has made the decision of granting political asylum, a citizen is forced to live in an embassy for a long period."
Foreign Secretary William Hague said there was "no legal basis" to allow Mr Assange safe passage out of the country and warned that the case could go on for a "considerable" time.
In a statement issued after the Ecuadorean decision, Mr Hague said that Britain was under a "binding obligation" to extradite him to Sweden.
"It is important to understand that this is not about Mr Assange's activities at Wikileaks or the attitude of the United States of America. He is wanted in Sweden to answer allegations of serious sexual offences," Mr Hague added
(H)
Assange took refuge at Ecuador's London embassy in June as he faced extradition to Sweden over sexual assault claims, which he denies.
The UK has said it will not allow him safe passage out of the country.
Ecuador's Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said he hoped talks with the UK would "overcome this".
Speaking to BBC Mundo Patino said the UK should respect Ecuador's "sovereign decision" otherwise "we will use the alternatives under international law to demand the safe passage".
He added: "We don't think it is reasonable that, after a sovereign government has made the decision of granting political asylum, a citizen is forced to live in an embassy for a long period."
Foreign Secretary William Hague said there was "no legal basis" to allow Mr Assange safe passage out of the country and warned that the case could go on for a "considerable" time.
In a statement issued after the Ecuadorean decision, Mr Hague said that Britain was under a "binding obligation" to extradite him to Sweden.
"It is important to understand that this is not about Mr Assange's activities at Wikileaks or the attitude of the United States of America. He is wanted in Sweden to answer allegations of serious sexual offences," Mr Hague added
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2012
Julian Assange Seeks Asylum In London's Ecuador Embassy
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is seeking political asylum at Ecuador's London embassy. The South American country says it is "studying and analysing the request". This follows after last weeks rejection by the UK’s Supreme Court of Mr Assange's bid to reopen an appeal against extradition to Sweden over alleged sex crimes.
Julian Assange Seeks Asylum In London's Ecuador Embassy
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is seeking political asylum at Ecuador's London embassy. The South American country says it is "studying and analysing the request". This follows after last weeks rejection by the UK’s Supreme Court of Mr Assange's bid to reopen an appeal against extradition to Sweden over alleged sex crimes.
16 August 2012
Assange Granted Asylum By Ecuador
Julian Assange has been granted asylum by Ecuador. The Wikileaks founder took refuge in the countries embassy in London two months ago while fighting extradition from the UK. Assange was facing extradition to Sweden where he faces questioning over assault and rape claims, which he denies.
Assange Granted Asylum By Ecuador
Julian Assange has been granted asylum by Ecuador. The Wikileaks founder took refuge in the countries embassy in London two months ago while fighting extradition from the UK. Assange was facing extradition to Sweden where he faces questioning over assault and rape claims, which he denies.
03 September 2012
Assange Death Penalty Fears 'Unfounded' - Hague
The UK's Foreign Secretary William Hague has said that fears Julian Assange will face the death penalty if extradited from Sweden to the US are "without foundation". Mr Assange has been granted asylum by Ecuador.
Assange Death Penalty Fears 'Unfounded' - Hague
The UK's Foreign Secretary William Hague has said that fears Julian Assange will face the death penalty if extradited from Sweden to the US are "without foundation". Mr Assange has been granted asylum by Ecuador.
18 August 2014
Wikileaks Founder To Leave Embassy 'Soon'
Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks who has spent almost two years living inside the Ecuadorean embassy, has said that he will leave the premises "soon".
Wikileaks Founder To Leave Embassy 'Soon'
Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks who has spent almost two years living inside the Ecuadorean embassy, has said that he will leave the premises "soon".
22 June 2006
Rail strike called off by union
A planned 24-hour strike by around 5,000 railway signal workers on Sunday has been called off, the Rail Maritime and Transport Union has announced. The RMT union said that the strike had been called off so that Network Rail's latest pay and conditions offer could be put out to a referendum, the results of which will be known on June 29.
Rail strike called off by union
A planned 24-hour strike by around 5,000 railway signal workers on Sunday has been called off, the Rail Maritime and Transport Union has announced. The RMT union said that the strike had been called off so that Network Rail's latest pay and conditions offer could be put out to a referendum, the results of which will be known on June 29.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
