Britain, Ecuador clash over WikiLeaks founder Assange asylum August 17, 2012 - 12:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Julian Assange is spending his first full day in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since being granted political asylum by the South American country while fighting extradition from the UK, Sky News reported. Britain and Ecuador remain locked in a diplomatic stand-off over the fate of the WikiLeaks founder, who took refuge in the embassy eight weeks ago after facing extradition to Sweden on allegations of sexual assault. Mr Assange denies the claims and fears being sent to the United States where he could face the death penalty for publishing secret U.S. diplomatic and military cables. He described Ecuador's granting him asylum on Thursday, August 16 as a "significant and historic victory". However, Foreign Secretary William Hague made it clear that Mr Assange would not be allowed safe passage out of the country, and that diplomatic immunity should not be used to harbour alleged criminals. Mr Hague said it was a "matter of regret" that the Ecuadorian government granted the WikiLeaks founder political asylum but warned that it "does not change the fundamentals" of the case. The case could go on for some "considerable" time, Mr Hague said, adding: "We will not allow Mr Assange safe passage out of the United Kingdom, nor is there any legal basis for us to do so."   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village  The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015.Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents.“By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents.The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |
