US asks Ecuador to turn down Snowden asylum
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E-mail China.org.cn, June 30, 2013
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Ecuador's President Rafael Correa (R) takes part in the weekly presentation of presidential work in El Aromo of Manabi Province, Ecuador, on June 29, 2013. Rafael Correa said on Saturday the United States had asked him not to grant asylum for Edward Snowden, a U.S. intelligence agent-turned-whistleblower accused of espionage by Washington, in a telephone conversation he held with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. [Xinhua] |
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has asked Ecuador to reject an asylum request from National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said Saturday.
Rafael Correa had a telephone conversation with Biden and told him that Ecuador can't consider Snowden's request because he wasn't on Ecuadorian territory yet. If Snowden does arrive in Ecuador, the county will make a decision, Correa added.
Correa explained that Ecuador would be cautious in handling any asylum request from Snowden. "If he arrives, the first thing is we'll ask the opinion of the United States", said Correa.
"We have to act very carefully but with courage, without contradicting our principles but with a lot of care, responsibility and respect of course towards the U.S. but also respect for the truth", said Correa in a weekly television address.
Correa also praised Biden that he was more courteous than U.S. senators who have threatened economic penalties if Ecuador doesn't cooperate.
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