Ecuador government analyzing NSA whistleblower's asylum request

Ecuador's foreign ministry is reportedly analyzing NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden's request for asylum.

Ecuador's Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino has said that Snowden's protection is an issue of 'freedom of expression' and the authorities are analyzing his request, News.co.au reports.

Snowden who leaked highly classified NSA 'snooping' programme details had been in hiding in Hong Kong in a bid to escape US extradition.

His claim that the 'snooping programme' infringes the 'privacy rights' of citizens has been slammed by the government who said that it is indeed necessary for the national security as it helped the NSA foil a number of terrorist attacks in the country.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange had reportedly promised to help Snowden in seeking asylum in Iceland, Snowden's first choice of refuge.

Patino said that he knows Snowden is in Moscow and Ecuador's government is in talks with the higher authorities adding that their government acts by principle and not their own interest, the report added.