QUITO: Ecuador has told WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to avoid making statements that could affect the country’s international relations after he expressed support for Catalonian independence from Spain, the foreign ministry said Wednesday.
Assange, who initially moved into London’s Ecuadorian embassy five years ago to avoid arrest over now-dropped Swedish rape charges, angered Madrid after addressing hundreds of people in Barcelona via video link in September.
“The Ecuadorian authorities have reiterated to Mr.Assange his obligation not to make statements or activities that could affect Ecuador’s international relations, which must be preserved, as is the case with Spain,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
It added Assange “has formally committed to observe behavior that is compatible with the will of the Ecuadorian state.”
Although Swedish prosecutors dropped their rape probe, Assange — who denied all allegations — remains in the embassy over fears he will be extradited to the United States and put on trial for WikiLeaks publishing leaked secret US military documents and diplomatic cables in 2010.
US justice authorities have never confirmed that they have Assange under investigation or are seeking his extradition.
But, when asked in May if arresting Assange was a “priority” for Washington, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that “we will seek to put some people in jail.”
Ecuador warns Assange over support for Spain’s Catalonia
Ecuador warns Assange over support for Spain’s Catalonia
Jordan’s king, UK’s PM discuss Gaza, regional stability
- King Abdullah urges support for Syria’s efforts to protect its security, stability, sovereignty
- King also meets UK’s chief of defense staff during London visit
LONDON: The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss ways to support regional stability in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Downing Street said on Tuesday.
The meeting was also attended by Crown Prince Hussein and focused on the continuing need to advocate for increased access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
It also aimed at supporting reforms within the Palestinian Authority to facilitate the ceasefire and help implement the US-led peace plan.
The parties praised the strong relationship between the UK and Jordan, especially in defense cooperation.
The king reaffirmed Jordan’s opposition to Israeli actions aimed at establishing settlements and asserting sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, according to the Jordan News Agency.
He emphasized the importance of implementing the US-backed agreement to end the war in Gaza. He also urged support for the efforts of the Syrian Arab Republic to protect its security, stability, and sovereignty, Petra added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, the Director of His Majesty’s Office Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the UK Manar Dabbas were also present at the meeting.
The king met on Monday in London Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, the UK’s chief of the defense staff. Their discussion centered on enhancing defense cooperation between Jordan and the UK. Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, the chairman of Jordan’s joint chiefs of staff, also attended this meeting.
The king had met former British officials and members of Parliament prior to meeting Knighton. Discussions addressed the UK’s role in supporting efforts to restore stability within the region, alongside developments in Jerusalem, Gaza, Syria, and Iran.
