SYDNEY - Interpol has confirmed it still considers WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange an "international wanted person", despite a decision by authorities in Ecuador to grant him asylum.
The Ecuadorian government has announced it is granting political asylum to Mr Assange, two months after he took refuge in the country's London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over sexual misconduct allegations.
If extradited to Sweden Mr Assange says he will be sent to the US, where he is wanted for the secret-leaking actions of his website.
However, his future remains unclear with Britain refusing his safe passage out of the country.
"Interpol confirms that its Red Notice, or international wanted persons alert, issued for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at Sweden's request in November 2010 remains valid," the Lyon-based international law enforcement agency said in a statement on Friday.
"Confirmation that Mr Assange's Red Notice status remains in force follows yesterday's decision by authorities in Ecuador to grant asylum to Mr Assange, two months after he took refuge in its London embassy."
Interpol does not have the power to issue international arrest warrants but can request member countries make arrests based on foreign warrants.