Assange sex assault investigation stalls

Sweden's sexual assault inquiry into Julian Assange is deadlocked over a dispute with Ecuador regarding the WikiLeaks founder's asylum status, Swedish officials said on Monday.

Ecuador wants Sweden to sign a bilateral agreement on judicial cooperation regarding the Assange case before allowing Swedish prosecutors to question him on allegations of rape and sexual assault that date from 2010, Stockholm said.

"Ecuador wants Sweden to recognize Assange's asylum status. This demand is unreasonable. Sweden cannot recognize an asylum status granted by another country, in line with international law," Swedish Justice Ministry official Cecilia Riddselius said.