Ecuador discovers eavesdropping device at its embassy in the UK.
According to AFP, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said authorities had discovered a listening device in the country's embassy in London, where the WikiLeaks founder was hiding.
According to Patino, Ecuador will announce the origin of the device found in Ambassador Ana Alban's office later that day and request an explanation from the country involved.
Speaking to reporters, Foreign Secretary Patino added that the device was discovered during a routine inspection ahead of his visit to London on June 16.
Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino. (Source: Ecuador Inmediato)
However, Ecuador's top diplomat said he did not imply that the eavesdropping device was related to the scandal surrounding U.S. intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden, who has sought asylum in Ecuador.
India on July 2 rejected an asylum request from former US intelligence technician Edward Snowden, who is wanted for revealing secrets about the NSA's surveillance program. This decision came after Russia stated that Snowden had abandoned his asylum application, although he is believed to still be hiding in the transit area of Moscow's airport.
According to AFP, Snowden is believed to have submitted asylum applications to 21 countries, including Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Iceland.
Of those countries, only Venezuela and Bolivia have expressed willingness to offer Snowden asylum, albeit not officially, while India, Poland, and Brazil have both confirmed their refusal.
Meanwhile, Snowden has spoken out, accusing US President Barack Obama of "pressuring leaders" in the countries where Snowden is seeking asylum.
Snowden also said he wrote a letter to Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa thanking him for supporting him in avoiding extradition.
According to (Vietnam+) - DT
