Ecuador's president says decision on Assange could be made this week

Ecuador's president said today he hoped to be able to announce this week whether he would grant political asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Rafael Correa told state TV that it was necessary to examine a great deal of material about international law in order to make a responsible, informed decision. He said he expected to have the latest reports in hand by tomorrow.

Mr Assange, who founded the whistleblowing website, took refuge in Ecuador's embassy in London on June 19 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for alleged sexual misconduct.

Ecuador is concerned that Mr Assange could run the risk of being extradited to the United States and possibly face a death sentence there.

Mr Assange's supporters believe he has been secretly indicted in the US.

AP