Diplomatic spat erupts in latest Assange twist
A diplomatic row has erupted between Ecuador and the United Kingdom over the continuing stand-off between Julian Assange and police at the South American states London embassy.
The war of words began after the UK government delivered a strongly worded letter to Ecuador’s foreign minister, Ricardo Patino, explaining that it had the legal power to forcibly retrieve Assange from the premises if Ecuador refused to hand him over.
Assange has been holed up since June seeking to evade extradition to Sweden to answer charges of sexual assault by claiming diplomatic immunity.
Patino said: "Today we received from the United Kingdom an express threat, in writing, that they might storm our embassy in London if we don't hand over Julian Assange," he said.
"Ecuador rejects in the most emphatic terms the explicit threat of the British official communication."
It is thought likely that Ecuador will grant asylum to Assange later today, potentially extending the stand-off indefinitely.