Ecuador leader won't discuss Assange in UK

The future of Julian Assange will not be on the agenda when Ecuador's president Lenin Moreno briefly visits Britain for a disability summit.

Julian Assange.

Julian Assange's future is not up for discussion when Ecuador president Lenin Moreno visits London. (AAP)

Ecuador's president will not discuss the future of Julian Assange during a brief visit to the UK.

Lenin Moreno will address a Global Disability Summit in London on Tuesday, highlighting Ecuador's progress on inclusion issues.

A statement issued on Monday made it clear the president will not address issues relating to the WikiLeaks founder, who has been living in Ecuador's London embassy for over six years.

The Australian fears being extradited to the United States if he leaves the building, for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks.

Assange has been granted political asylum by the Ecuador government, but his communication was cut off three months ago when he was accused of breaching a written commitment not to issue messages that might interfere with other states.

"It should be remembered that, in this international tour, the Head of State and his delegation will not address issues concerning the asylum granted to Mr Julian Assange, since its purpose is participation in the world meeting and the economic and commercial promotion of Ecuador in Spain, England and Scotland," the statement said.

The President will also travel to the University of Edinburgh, and later will talk with businessmen interested in investing in Ecuador.

He is not expected to visit Ecuador's London embassy, scene of a vigil last month to mark the sixth anniversary of Assange living there.

Britain's International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt will also address the summit.

Asked about the Assange case, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: "There are no plans for Penny Mordaunt to discuss that issue with the Ecuadorean president."


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Published 24 July 2018 2:10am
Source: AAP


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