We are aware of, and surprised by, media reports in the last 24 hours suggesting that Ecuador is about to announce a decision and grant asylum to Mr Assange.

The reports cite official sources.

We note that the President has stated that no decision has yet been taken.

Should the reports be accurate, we are concerned that this would undermine our efforts to agree a joint text that would set out the positions of both countries, allowing Mr Assange to leave the embassy.

As we have previously stated, we must comply with our legal obligations under the Framework Decision relating to the Extradition Act 2003 to arrest Mr Assange and extradite him to Sweden. We remain committed to working amicably with you to resolve this matter. But we must be absolutely clear that this means that, should we receive a petition for safe passage for Mr Assange, after asylum is granted, this would be refused, in line with our legal obligations.

In this light, and given the declarations of the last 24 hours, we hope that you are prepared to continue with the current diplomatic discussions. We continue to believe that a resolution is possible, based on a jointly agreed text that would accompany the departure from the embassy of Mr Assange, thereby leading to his extradition.

We have another meeting (by videoconference) scheduled for 16 August. Given the statements made yesterday in Quito, are we correct in thinking that this would be the last opportunity to arrive at a joint statement?

We must reiterate that we consider the continued use of the diplomatic premises in this way incompatible with the Vienna Convention and unsustainable, and that we have made clear the serious implications of same for our diplomatic relations.

You should be aware that there is a basis in law in the UK (the Diplomatic and Consular Premises Act 1987) that would permit us to take steps to arrest Mr Assange within the current premises of the embassy.

We sincerely hope that such a point is not reached, but if you cannot resolve the presence of Mr Assange on your premises, that route is open to us.

We understand the importance for you of the issues raised by Mr Assange, and the considerable public pressure in Ecuador. Nevertheless, we must resolve the situation in place, here in the United Kingdom, in line with our legal obligations. We have made efforts to draft a joint statement that would help to satisfy concerns and issues of presentation to the public.