Ecuador revokes NSA whistleblower's 'invalid' travel documents over Assange 'running show' fears

Ecuador's government has reportedly cancelled the travel documents of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden which could have helped him exit the transit area of Moscow's Shermetyevo airport.

Ecuador's president Rafael Correa halted an effort to help Snowden leave Russia amid concerns that Assange was 'running the show' and usurping the role of the Ecuadorean government, the Guardian reports.

According to the report, Correa declared that the safe conduct pass issued by Ecuador's London Embassy in collaboration with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange as 'unauthorised'.

Ecuador's ambassador to the US, Nathalie Cely said that Quito's role was being overshadowed by Assange who himself has been holed up in the Ecuador Embassy for over a year.

The report said that in a message attributed to Assange was sent to Ecuador's foreign minister and other top officials apologizing if their efforts caused Ecuador discomfort in the Snowden matter.

The message added that there is a fog of war due to the rapid nature of events and assuring that if similar events arise then they are not to be considered originating out of any lack of respect or concern for Ecuador or its government.

Assange had claimed to have helped Snowden escape Hong Kong and pay for his travel and lodging.

It is believed that Assange was involved in obtaining the document for Snowden, dated 22 June which bore the printed name, but not signature, of the London consul, Fidel Narvaez, a confidante.

Ecuador has insisted that it will not consider Snowden's claim unless Snowden reaches Ecuadorean territory which is becoming increasingly difficult.

However, Ecuador continued to defend its stand on granting asylum to Snowden and thwarted US attempts of 'blackmail' by threats of diplomatic and economic repercussions.