S American nations back Ecuador’s asylum for Assange

London - Foreign ministers from countries across South America have backed Ecuador's decision to grant Wikileaks founder Julian Assange asylum.

A joint statement by the members of the Union of South American Nations, said that it supported the country "in the face of the threat" to its London embassy, where Assange has taken refuge.
 
Foreign ministers of the 12-member bloc took part in an extraordinary meeting in held in Ecuador, the BBC reports.

Meanwhile, Ecuador's President Rafael Correa has suggested Assange could co-operate with Sweden if assurances are given that there would be no extradition to a third country.
 
Supporters of Assange, who urged the US to end its ‘witch-hunt’ against the Wikileaks site, claimed he could face persecution and even the death penalty if sent there.

Assange has been holed up at the embassy in London since 19 June in a bid to avoid extradition to Sweden, where is wanted for questioning over allegations of sexual assault.