Thursday 21 June 2012

'Someone's after more money': Katie Price blames ex-husband Alex Reid for deliberately delaying their divorce - Daily Mail

'Someone's after more money': Katie Price blames ex-husband Alex Reid for deliberately delaying their divorce - Daily Mail

By Emily Sheridan

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It looked like Katie Price and Alex Reid's brief marriage was finally over when they were granted a decree nisi in March.

However, the glamour model today complained the final divorce ruling has been delayed because her estranged husband wants more money.

Although a High Court judge initially granted the couple a divorce on the grounds of Reid's 'unreasonable behaviour' in March, they are yet to have it finalised.

Feminine look: Katie Price wears a pink top and orange skirt as she arrives at ITV studios

Feminine look: Katie Price wears a pink top and orange skirt as she arrives at ITV studios

Following the decision in March, it normally takes between five to six weeks for a divorcing couple to be given a decree absolute.

However, appearing on Loose Women today, Katie bemoaned the fact she was unable to move on properly with new fianc Leandro Penna because she was still wed to Alex.

The 34-year-old said: 'I'm still married.'

She then claimed: 'It would have been quicker, but obviously someone's after more money.'

Holding things up? Alex Reid, pictured outside his Essex home yesterday, has been blamed for delaying the divorce

Holding things up? Alex Reid, pictured outside his Essex home yesterday, has been blamed for delaying the divorce

Katie and Alex famously split in January 2011 after just 11 months of marriage.

The mother-of-three ended up marrying Alex in Las Vegas just nine months after she was dumped by first husband Peter Andre.

On reflection, she concedes she was on the rebound from Peter when she started dating Alex eight weeks later.

Speaking on Radio 4's Woman's Hour today, she admitted: 'The public was right about Alex, I was on the rebound.

Glam: The glamour model is promoting her new novel In The Name Of Love

Glam: The glamour model is promoting her new novel In The Name Of Love

'Yes, I know I was on the rebound and I'm not rushing into getting married again. Yes, I'm engaged, but I've actually grown-up and thought there's no rush for anything.'

For her appearance on Loose Women, it was quite a surprise to see the former glamour model looking demure in a pink top and flowing orange skirt today.

However, it was only when she turned around, she was given a cheeky flash of bra, which she had co-ordinated with her top.

On Woman's Hour, she praised her 'intelligent' Argentine fianc for learning English, admitting it was difficult when they first started dating.

Pink to make the boys wink: Katie flashed her pink bra in the partially-backless top

Pink to make the boys wink: Katie flashed her pink bra in the partially-backless top

She explained: 'I said, "yeah, yeah, I'm gonna learn Spanish" but you just don't. I think, "everyone speaks English, he'll end up speaking English." And he does.'

When Jenni asked if she had tried to learn Spanish, Katie replied: 'I haven't had the time. That's awful isn't it?

'He's made the time and the effort and we can actually have a conversation now. He went to English school and properly learned English. In fact, he speaks it better than me.'

Addressing her split from Peter, she added: 'I never wanted to split from him. Its just unfortunate he thought I was having an affair with my riding instructor.

English lessons: Katie said her Argentine fianc Leandro Penna spoke better English than she did

English lessons: Katie said her Argentine fianc Leandro Penna spoke better English than she did

'He always says "I can never say why", because he knows he's married with his family and if he does say it, we'll all jump on the bandwagon and say, "prove it."

The mother-of-three is currently promoting her new novel In The Name Of Love, which tells the story of a holiday romance between sports presenter Charlie and Spanish Olympian horse-rider Felipe.

The book is her eighth novel and has been ghost-written with author Rebecca Farmsworth.

Speaking about their partnership on Woman's Hour, she said: 'I feel sorry for Rebecca. I speak into the Dictaphone. You've definitely got to have a talent to sit there and write the book and she's amazing at it.

'I come up with the plot and we go through each chapter together.'

I'm here too! Carrie Underwood was also pictured at the ITV studios


Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

Awful outfit.

I saw her in real life without her make up and was amazed. She's actually a lovely looking girl.

So what number husband will leandro be?

This woman is vile, that is all...

"We can actually have a conversation now". Oh dear!! So how did they initially communicate and bond with each other?

Well Carrie Underwood was likeable and good...........

Her fashion sense is just dreadful

Eurgh Katie Price sort your clothes out. So much money and zero taste. It's annoying!

She wears the worst clothes I have ever seen. She has absolutely no idea how to dress. Awful!!

I actually feel kinda sorry for her when it comes to her divorce from Peter. It's clear she's still not over him. I think she's in limbo because he left so suddenly (which he admitted to also) I don't like her though. Alex and Chantelle have had their baby so the press is all over them and she doesn't like it.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.


Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Anna Karenina trailer: Keira Knightley, Jude Law and Aaron Johnson's sordid love triangle in first glimpse of epic film - Daily Mail

By Andrea Magrath

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The first trailer for Keira Knightley's hotly anticipated turn as Anna Karenina has been released online.

The two and a half minute sneak peek sees appearances by all the leading players including Jude Law, Aaron Johnson, Matthew MacFadyen, Kelly McDonald, Michelle Dockery and Knightley as the title character.

The preview reveals a breathtaking, stylish take on Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece.

Scroll down for the trailer

Classic: The first trailer for Keira Knightley's highly anticipated new film Anna Karenina has been released

Classic: The first trailer for Keira Knightley's highly anticipated new film Anna Karenina has been released

Keira, 27, plays the aristocratic socialite Anna in 19th century Russia, unhappily married to Law's Alexei Karenin.

She embarks on an affair with Count Vronsky (played by Aaron Johnson), sparking scandal amongst her high society circle.

Law is almost unrecognisable in his role as her loathsome government official husband Alexei.

'You can't ask why about love': Knightley plays the Russian aristocrat who falls for Count Vronsky (Aaron Johnson) in the new adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic masterpiece

'You can't ask why about love': Knightley plays the Russian aristocrat who falls for Count Vronsky (Aaron Johnson) in the new adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic masterpiece

Knightley revealed in a recent interview that Karenina was the 'hardest' role she's ever taken on.

She found it difficult to get the balance of her character right because of the Tolstoy's 'genius' and 'complex' writing.

'It was amazing,' Keira said of filming. 'It was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done. In a brilliant way.

Unhappy marriage: Jude Law is almost unrecognisable as her husband Alexei Karenin

Unhappy marriage: Jude Law is almost unrecognisable as her husband Alexei Karenin

Breaking the rules: Anna falls for the affluent Count but is shunned by society for the affair

Breaking the rules: Anna falls for the affluent Count but is shunned by society for the affair

'Obviously, Tolstoy was a genius and I think the reason that his books last so well - is because they are so complex and it's really looking at the best of humanity and the worst of humanity, often in one character.

'Trying to balance all those things in the one person was really hard. And, hopefully it's worked.'

Joe Wright, who directed Knightley in both Atonement and Pride and Prejudice, takes the helm of this adaptation of the classic masterpiece.

Change of pace: Kick Ass star Johnson takes a new turn in the epic drama

Change of pace: Kick Ass star Johnson takes a new turn in the epic drama

Another of Keira's latest movies sees her star in 'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World' – which sees Dodge (Steve Carell) search for his high school sweetheart accompanied by Penny (Knightley) when the pair learn the apocalypse is imminent – and she was attracted to the project because it is so 'unusual.'

Speaking to HitFix, Keira said: 'I just never read anything like it. It's such an unusual piece and, actually, it's really rare to get things that are quiet unique and to read things you've never read anything like.

All star cast: Matthew MacFadyen, Emily Watson (pictured) and Michelle Dockery also star

All star cast: Matthew MacFadyen, Emily Watson (pictured) and Michelle Dockery also star

Highly anticipated: Anna Karenina is released in September

Highly anticipated: Anna Karenina is released in September

'And I just also thought, "It's about the end of the world, but it's really positive." And actually when I got to the end of the script I found it quite life affirming as opposed to really sad or tragic or anything like that.'

Keira has been busy promoting the film in the US this week, appearing on talk shows and walking the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere.

Anna Karenina is released in the UK on September 7 and in the US on November 9.

Working hard: Kaira was pictured today leaving LAX after the Hollywood premiere of her latest film Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

Jude Law.

Hmmm, I loved the art direction in the trailer and I LOVED Atonement, but the story itself seems a bit thing. How many times have we seen 'fallen woman goes against repressive husband for true love?' Seems like a waste of a good vision. Green arrows if you agree! Jude Law's clearly turned on his talent buttons though.

I love this kind of film, but I'm so tired of Kiera Knightly being in every single one! I feel like I'm looking at her skull when I see her face.

For me...Anna Karenina will always be Vivien Leigh!!

This literally has OSCAR written all over it! Looks like it could be Keira Vs Carey come award season!

Visually, it looks stunning. I definitely want to see this. On a completely immature side note, when Matthew MacFadyen is on screen I shall probably be whispering "Oi, Darcy! Go get Elizabeth!".

Hmm, going to be tough for this to beat the Sean Bean/Sophie Moreau version...

I totally enjoy Keira's movies. I think she's a lovely young lady.

Oscar

Looks great. Definitely an Oscar contendor for Keira, Jude Law, the movie itself and the director.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.


Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

John Cena Divorce Saga Exposes Alleged Affair; A Fan Reacts - YAHOO!

The John Cena divorce saga has just begun, but already the proverbial gloves are being taken off by the lawyer for Cena's ex-wife Liz Huberdeau. TMZ is reporting that the ex Mrs. John Cena is claiming the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion cheated on her during their marriage. The infidelity would be grounds to challenge their prenuptial agreement.

In recent weeks, former WWE wrestler Ken Doane, who labored for the wrestling company as Kenny Dykstra, has taken to Twitter to expose a relationship between John Cena and former Divas Champion Mickie James. According to Dykstra, Cena and James balanced a physical relationship, before Cena ultimately discontinued the convenient arrangement. Less than a year after the connection between James and Cena ceased, the "Doctor of Thuganomics" went on to marry his high school sweetheart Liz Huberdeau.

As a fan of pro wrestling for over 20 years, it's difficult not to feel badly for the superstars that you admire. But with these recent revelations, my sympathy for John Cena is starting to vanish.

Although I have never been married, my eight year relationship to my fiancé was terminated several months ago. It was perhaps the hardest occurrence I ever had to deal with. And that includes the tragic death of my older brother Jarrod in 2004, and the passing of my oldest brother Shawn in 2011. After all, you have no choice but to deal with death. It's a concrete end. In divorce, there are so many unanticipated variables.The reason divorce is so burdensome is because, in most cases, you do have future anticipations and expectations. When the person you trust most in the world dilutes that confidence, it's like a dagger through the heart. The world you once knew is no more. Not just the relationship is ruined, but all your future plans, hopes and dreams, have been dashed as well. It's an emotional apocalypse to be cheated on by someone you love.

When I first read about the Cena divorce, my immediate response was to side with Cena. After all, he's a man and we guys have to stick together. Plus, my love for pro wrestling also made his a natural side to be on. But in light of the late-breaking news of assumed infidelity, my sympathy is beginning to side with Liz Huberdeau. Having walked in her shoes, having been cheated on and betrayed, I have no sympathy for John Cena. There is no excuse for extramarital affairs. For a man who is a role model for million of, he ought to be ashamed of himself.

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Ryan Drew is a 30 year old pro wrestler from Boston. He was trained by former WWE wrestler Spike Dudley. Follow Ryan Drew on Twitter or visit The Wrestling Hub for more articles.


Source: sports.yahoo.com

Divorce Rings Are the New Bling: How to Select Jewelry for a New Beginning - Huffington Post

A wedding or engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of love, so what do you do when you want to discard it and move past the relationship that the diamond is tied to? (See under: I'd throw this ring off of a cliff if it wasn't worth so much money).

Keeping emotions in check is key, according to an article by CNN's Liane Yvkoff. Yvkoff stressed that winning the ring is half the battle. In the state of California, a woman has the right to keep the ring if her fiance broke off the engagement. If she breaks the engagement, he can ask for it back. Even once you win ownership, you are at an even tougher crossroads: what to wear instead?

Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to simply getting rid of it. Here are some ideas:

Sell bad memories for a finer piece of jewelry

Parting can be such sweet sorrow when selling back a wedding or engagement ring that once symbolized true love. It could be argued that no one knows the sentiment of bittersweet selling than engagement ring buyer Eric Smith, who shared his tale of love and loss to GeekOSystem reporter Eric Limer. After buying his girlfriend the dream ring, Smith found out that his girlfriend was cheating on him. Not one to be defeated, he sold it on eBay. In Smith's case, he bought a full-scale suit of armor modeled after Master Chief from Halo, but your purchase doesn't have to be anything even nearly as outlandish.

Of course, not everyone wants to get rid of their ring. For them, recycling might be the best option.

Rock the ring in a different form

Sometimes it's hard to separate yourself from a beautiful piece of jewelry. Rocking the ring on a different finger and being asked about it isn't very appealing, so why not think outside the ring box? By melting the gold or taking the diamond and centering it into a necklace, bracelet, or other piece of jewelry, the old becomes the new without any separation on your part. A jeweler can take components of your ring and do wonders, including making cost effective pendants out of a gold chain with your diamond attached.

For those who want to start from scratch, there are plenty of options for brand new jewelry, including a new trend -- divorce rings.

Turn the old into the new with a divorce ring

Divorce rings might be in vogue right now, but they have actually been around since the 20th century, according to Abazias Diamonds blogger Christina. Divorce rings can take the shape of traditional rings or can be clearly focused on separation. From quality to size, divorce rings vary as much as engagement and wedding rings. Christina shares her experience with the types of divorce rings she has seen:

"Divorce rings vary in style. Some rings, for example, are quite clear about the message they send," Christina said. "They may feature a design that is cut in half -- clearly indicating a recent divorce. Other divorce rings are designed with more of a hopeful message. The materials used in the rings also tend to vary, much like engagement rings. Some, for example, are cast in gold while others feature platinum or silver."

What will you choose?


Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

New La. law: Sex offenders must list status on Facebook, other social media - CNN

(CNN) -- A new Louisiana law requires sex offenders and child predators to state their criminal status on their Facebook or other social networking page, with the law's author saying the bill is the first of its kind in the nation.

State Rep. Jeff Thompson, a Republican from Bossier City, Louisiana, says his new law, effective August 1, will stand up to constitutional challenge because it expands sex offender registration requirements, common in many states, to include a disclosure on the convicted criminal's social networking sites as well.

Thompson, an attorney and a father of a 13-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, said he hopes other states will follow Louisiana.

Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have been removing sex offenders from their web pages for years, but Thompson said the law is designed to cover any possible lapses by social networking sites.

"I don't want to leave in the hands of social network or Facebook administrators, 'Gee, I hope someone is telling the truth,'" Thompson said Tuesday. "This is another tool for prosecutors."

The new law, signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal earlier this month, builds upon existing sex offender registration laws, in which the offender must notify immediate neighbors and a school district of his or her residency near them, Thompson said.

The law states that sex offenders and child predators "shall includes in his profile for the networking website an indication that he is a sex offender or child predator and shall include notice of the crime for which he was convicted, the jurisdiction of conviction, a description of his physical characteristics... and his residential address."

I don't own my child's body

Several states now require sex offenders and child predators to register with authorities their e-mail accounts, Internet addresses or profile names to social network and other web sites, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. A few states such as Illinois and Texas even outright prohibit sex offenders, as a condition of parole, from accessing social networking websites, the group said.

The Louisiana law is the latest addition to statutes requiring public notice and registrations by sex offenders, Thompson said.

"It provides the same notice to persons in whose home you are injecting yourself via the Internet," Thompson said. "I challenge you today to walk down the street to see how many people and children are checking Pinterest, Instagram and other social networking sites. If you look at how common it is, that's 24 hour a day, seven days a week for somebody to interact with your children and your grandchildren."

Facebook applauded the new Louisiana law, even though it "will have no direct" effect on its service, the company said in a statement to CNN.

"Our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities already bars registered sex offenders from using Facebook," the firm said. "We take the safety and security of our users, especially the many young people on Facebook, very seriously. We have consistently supported legislation to help strengthen law enforcement's ability to find, prosecute and convict online sexual predators."

Violators of the new law could face imprisonment with hard labor for a term between two and 10 years without parole and a fine up to $1,000. A second conviction carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment with hard labor for a term between five and 20 years without parole and a fine up to $3,000.

Thompson consulted prosecutors and the attorney general in Louisiana when drafting the law because last year, a federal court struck down a Louisiana law that outright banned sex offenders and child predators from using Internet. The court found the law too broad, Thompson said.

Last year, the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana sought to block the enforcement of that state law that tried to limits sex offenders' use of the Internet, arguing that it infringes on constitutional rights. The law had targeted registered sex offenders convicted in crimes involving children and prohibited the "using or accessing of social networking websites, chat rooms and peer-to-peer networks," according to the legislation that was signed into law in June 2011.

Today, sex abuse victims are less alone

Louisiana lawmakers, however, have not given up on that stricter law. In fact, a revised version was passed by the Louisiana legislature and signed into law in May, but Thompson is skeptical that latest version can survive a court challenge. The revised, new ban prohibits certain registered sex offenders from intentionally using a social networking website, Gov. Jindal said in a statement.

Said Thompson about that new law: "It may very well fall under scrutiny and attack. That's one of the reasons that I created the bill I did. I'm not trying to create a ban. I'm just trying to create an expansion of the existing notice requirements."

'Sandusky 8' describe seduction, betrayal

Force your child to hug? Readers strong reactions


Source: www.cnn.com

Essex v Kent - Friends Life T20 - South Group - Essex win by 3 runs - Live Score and Update - Bettor.com

Essex v Kent - Friends Life T20 - South Group - Essex win by 3 runs - Live Score and Update

Essex 158/6 (20/20 ov) v Kent 155 (20.0/20 ov) - Essex won by 3 runs

Friends Life T20 this year could not have had a better start to the season than this as all teams are fighting right down to the wire, brining intense competition to the tournament.

Wednesday was no different, as fans exhibited a splendid match between Essex and Kent, which Essex eventually won only by three runs, as Kent gave them a run for their money, at County Ground, Chelmsford.

After being jabbed for 158 runs by Essex, Kent started their run chase with SW Billings and skipper, RWT Key, but before the duo could pose a serious threat, the partnership faltered after belting 23 runs on the wicket of Key, who could muster only five runs.

On the very next delivery of the same over by DD Masters, Kent batsman Azhar Mahmood lost his standing without scoring a run.

Suddenly with the departure of two batsmen on 23 runs, panic had almost crept in the ranks of Kent; however, DI Stevens accompanied by Billings prevented a disastrous batting collapse.

The duo took the score to 64 runs before Stevens became the third wicket to fall, after he smashed an innings of 21 runs.

Billings was then joined by, BP Nash, and without much depth in the batting line-up, the two knew that they would have to steer their side home instead of depending on anyone else.

Both batsmen played fast in order to take the bowlers by surprise, which increased the flow of runs, and before Essex could grab hold of the situation, Kent had amassed 118 runs, but that was the end of the road for Billings as he was picked up by GM Smith on an innings of 59 runs.

On the next delivery, Smith struck again by nabbing Nash, who perished after scoring 26 runs, and then on the last delivery of the same over Smith dismissed GO Jones for one. By this time, Kent had posted a total of 120 runs on the board.

Nonetheless, the game was far from being over as the lower-order kept the pace in the innings and almost reached the target before the side faltered for 155 runs in 20 overs, ending a close run chase on a losing note.

 


Source: blogs.bettor.com

Essex: Springwatch star Michaela Strachan to open new visitor centre at Abberton Reservoir near Colchester - East Anglian Daily Times

TELEVISION presenter Michaela Strachan will officially unveil a new wildlife visitor centre and nature reserve in Essex.

Ms Strachan, who has just finished filming Springwatch for the BBC, will open the Essex Wildlife Trust building at Abberton Reservoir near Colchester.

The 15-sided visitor complex has been built as part of a £150million project to increase the reservoir’s capacity by 15billion litres.

John Hall, chief executive of Essex Wildlife Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome a wildlife champion like Michaela Strachan to Abberton Reservoir to carry out the official opening duties of our new visitor centre and reserve.

“We look forward to welcoming guests and the public to what should be a memorable day. Abberton is already a hugely significant site for wildlife and our new reserve will help make it even more crucial over the coming years.

“Our fabulous new visitor centre brings people closer to that wildlife. The trust’s vision is of a ‘Living Landscape’ where wildlife and people co-exist side by side, to mutual benefit, and Abberton is a fine example of that ideal.

“Together with Essex & Suffolk Water we are making Abberton Reservoir better for wildlife, better for people – and better for future generations.”

Strachan will officially open the centre on Saturday and will be joined by the Mayor of Colchester and representatives from Layer-de-la-Haye Parish Council, Essex Birdwatching Society, Natural England, Abberton Management Committee and TJ Evers, who built the visitor centre.The opening ceremony will coincide with a special fair, which will include a birds of prey display, charity and trade stands, refreshments and a beer tent.

John Devall, operations director of Essex & Suffolk Water, said: “Abberton Reservoir is one of the most important sites in Europe for its wildlife and is also an essential part of the county’s infrastructure helping us supply water to more than a million people in Essex.

“The official opening of the visitor centre is a chance to celebrate this fantastic new facility, which provides a gateway to access this very special site.

“The relocation and enhancement of the visitor centre is part of the Abberton Scheme, which includes the expansion of the reservoir’s capacity by 58%.

“Guests at the opening event will also have the opportunity to learn more about this essential and major Scheme from the project team.”

The old visitor centre, opened in 1990, has been dismantled on low-lying land that will be flooded. The new visitor centre is on adjacent higher land, at the heart of an 80-acre nature reserve.

0 comments


    Source: www.eadt.co.uk

    Assange's refuge in Ecuador's embassy doesn't exempt him from UK law - The Guardian

    In taking refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, Julian Assange joins a long list of people who have sought asylum in foreign embassies. Recent examples include Chongqing police chief Wang Lijun in the US consulate in Chengdu, and blind Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng in the US embassy in Beijing. However, although embassy premises are legally inviolable, general international law does not recognise a right of diplomatic asylum. Even if Ecuador does grant Assange asylum, the UK will not be obliged to grant him safe passage out of the country.

    In 1949, Victor Raúl Haya de la Torre, leader of the Peruvian APRA movement, sought refuge in the Colombian embassy in Lima. The dispute between Colombia and Peru as to whether he could be granted diplomatic asylum went twice to the international court of justice in The Hague. The court ruled that no general rule in international law existed permitting states to grant diplomatic asylum; a legal basis had to be established in each particular case. Dissatisfied with the results of the litigation, American countries joined together to adopt a convention on diplomatic asylum. This Latin American tradition might, at least partly, explain the attitude taken by Ecuador.

    No such treaty, however, exists elsewhere. No general right of states to grant diplomatic asylum consequently exists, except, possibly, in cases where it is temporarily granted to preserve human life and in situations of civil and political unrest. Despite the hyperbolic claims made by some of his supporters, such an exception would not appear to cover Julian Assange's case.

    International law is clear that diplomatic premises are inviolable, so Assange remains outside the reach of the UK authorities so long as he remains within the Ecuadorian embassy. In the past, some such stays have lasted years. Haya de La Torre remained in the Colombian embassy in Lima for five years; whilst Cardinal Mindszenty, who took refuge in the US embassy in Budapest following the suppression of the Hungarian uprising in 1956, was only permitted to leave the country in 1971. Once he leaves the embassy, however, Assange can be arrested and detained by the UK authorities under UK law, regardless of how Ecuador may have determined his request for asylum.

    In addition, it may be that Ecuador is legally obliged, if requested, to surrender Assange to the UK authorities. According to the international court of justice, (although contrary to Ecuador's contentions) the granting of diplomatic asylum is an intervention in a state's internal affairs, and diplomats are not obliged to assist in the course of justice in their host state. However, the 1961 Vienna convention on diplomatic relations, to which both Ecuador and the UK are parties, requires that diplomats respect their host state's laws and regulations. The convention also provides that diplomatic premises should not be used in any manner incompatible with the functions of the mission as laid down in the convention (which does not include harbouring fugitives from justice) or general international law (which, as shown, does not recognise a general right to grant diplomatic asylum).

    The current law would thus seem to argue that a person seeking diplomatic asylum should be surrendered if he is accused of a criminal offence and a warrant for his arrest has been issued by the competent authorities. This would appear to be the case, at least potentially, with Assange. Even excluding the outstanding Swedish request for his extradition, the police have stated that he is in breach of his bail conditions and thus liable to arrest.

    It does not appear, however, that the UK authorities have made a formal request for his surrender to Ecuador. How matters will develop remains to be seen. It may be that the UK government will simply play a waiting game. One thing seems certain, however: Julian Assange is unlikely to be visiting Ecuador any time in the near future.

    • Follow Comment is free on Twitter @commentisfree


    Source: www.guardian.co.uk

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