Ecuador discovers eavesdropping device at embassy in 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 is hiding.
According to Mr. Patino, Ecuador will announce the origin of the device discovered in Ambassador Ana Alban's office on the same day and ask the relevant country to provide an explanation.
Speaking to reporters, Foreign Minister 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 the listening device was related to the scandal surrounding US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, who has sought asylum in Ecuador.
India on July 2 rejected an asylum request from former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, who is wanted for leaking secrets about the US National Security Agency's surveillance program. The decision came after Russia said Snowden had abandoned his bid for asylum in Russia, although he is believed to be hiding in the transit area of a Moscow airport.
According to AFP, Snowden is said to have sent 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.
Among the above countries, only Venezuela and Bolivia have expressed their willingness to give Snowden asylum, although not officially, while in addition to India, Poland and Brazil have both confirmed their refusal.
Meanwhile, Snowden has spoken out, accusing US President Barack Obama of “putting pressure on leaders” in countries where Snowden sought asylum.
Snowden also said he wrote a letter to Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa thanking him for supporting him to avoid extradition./.
According to (Vietnam+) - DT
