Sweden has reached a preliminary legal agreement with Ecuador that would pave the way for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be questioned over a rape allegation, the Swedish government said Sunday.
"This is essentially a deal on legal assistance on a criminal matter, and when it is finalised later this week it will open the door for the Swedish state prosecutor to question Mr. Assange," Swedish Justice Ministry official Cecilia Riddselius told AFP.
Riddselius stressed the agreement was not specifically linked to the Assange case. She described it as a deal that will allow authorities in the respective countries to help each other.
Ecuador said the deal will streamline future cooperation.
"The agreement is, with no doubts, an instrument that strengthens bilateral relations and will facilitate.