Ecuador calls on UK to drop Assange threat

Officials expressed optimism that a “compromise” could be reached over Mr Assange, who is wanted for questioning in Sweden over claims of sexual assault.

But they made clear that the 41-year-old Australian can stay inside the London embassy for “as long as it takes” to resolve his future. “He can stay here for eight years... two centuries. However long he wants,” said one official.

Meanwhile fresh details emerged of how unprepared the embassy was to accommodate Mr Assange when he suddenly arrived seeking political asylum. An air bed had to be brought from the home of the Ecuadorian ambassador.

Mr Assange was granted political asylum by the Ecuador government a week ago, a day after it was revealed that the UK Government had warned that under a 1987 Act, it could enter the embassy to arrest the Australian.

Officials revealed yesterday that up to 50 police officers arrived at the embassy after the warning, with some climbing a fire escape and one standing outside a toilet.

Bill Carmichael: Page 17.