South American Nations Condemn British 'Threat' To Ecuador

August 20, 2012

South American nations have expressed "solidarity" with Ecuador "in the face of the threat" to its London embassy, where Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has taken refuge.

Britain has said it could potentially lift the embassy's diplomatic status to allow police to enter the building to arrest Assange for breaching his bail terms.

Foreign ministers of the Union of South American Nations, meeting on August 19 in Ecuador, urged the parties "to pursue dialogue in search of a mutually acceptable solution."

Assange faces extradition to Sweden over sexual assault claims he denies.

Supporters of Assange, who on August 19 urged the United States to end its "witchhunt" against the WikiLeaks site, claim he could face persecution and possible extradition to the U.S. if sent there.

The United States is investigating WikiLeaks, which has published a massive trove of leaked diplomatic cables.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/south-american-nations-condemn-british-threat-to-ecuador/24682028.html

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