Correa on Assange asylum: We will seek other countries' opinions

Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa speaks during press conference in Quito.

Julian Assange’s bid for political asylum is being closely discussed with "other governments involved," Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said, adding that shaping a decision may take longer than first thought.

­"We don't wish to offend anyone, least of all a country we hold in such deep regard as the United Kingdom," Correa said on Friday. “We are going to have to discuss with and seek the opinions of other countries.”

It is too early to talk about a “safe passage” out of the country for Assange, since the final decision has not yet been made, President Correa added.

The WikiLeaks founder arrived at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London seeking political asylum four days ago, breaking the conditions of his bail. British police are determined to arrest him as soon as he steps out of the front door of the embassy, whether he is granted asylum or not.

In an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corp radio on Friday, Assange accused Washington of building a plot to bring him to the US. Assange hoped his dramatic move would at least “draw attention to the underlying issues," as the Australian government had made an "effective declaration of abandonment" by not intervening in British court procedures.

Rejecting reports that the decision on granting asylum might be expected soon, President Correa acknowledged that Ecuador will take all the time necessary to verify the reasons presented by Assange.

“Ecuador is a country which defends the right to life,” he said. “We have to see whether there is a threat to Julian Assange's life."