Ecuador refused to stand alone as the bully UK and the bigger bully behind them, the US rattled their sabers while their whistleblower target remained at large due to that annoyance called international law and principle prevented them from carrying out their justice aka “just us”. President Rafael Correa’s government appealed to fellow nations in Latin America and Caribbean to seek solidarity in a time where the nation is standing up for principle in the face of unadulterated might.
“They’re out of touch. Who do they think they’re dealing with? Can’t they see that this is a dignified and sovereign government which will not kneel down before anyone?” Correa said in his weekly address on Saturday, referring to Britain’s bullying. “What a mentality, eh? They have not realized that Latin America is free and sovereign and that we’ll not put up with meddling, colonialism of any kind, at least in this country, small, but with a big heart.”
So, Correa presented this as a David versus Goliath matchup as it hosted foreign ministers from the Union of South American Nations and the ALBA group and now, support is growing for Correa’s cause.
Colombia and Argentina have stepped up to back up Ecuador with the Organization of American States (“OAS”) calling for a foreign ministers meeting next week to discuss specifically the Assange affair, despite Canada and the United States voting against having that meeting.
People are coming forward to support Assange as well, in a growing sign that solidarity is growing for the whistleblower:
“The whole world should back Ecuador for giving Assange asylum and because this country is the first one to promote freedom of expression,” said Mary Valenzuela, a 39-year-old restaurant owner.
Meanwhile, Assange addressed supporters and detractors alike at the Ecuadorian embassy in London today, making his first public appearance in two months, with his whole speech caught below:
It’s refreshing to see good people fight back and not rolling over. Good people who stand up and who won’t compromise who they are can’t be defeated, because they understand the fight is one of the spirit, and the spirit will not yield.