Following NSA leaker Edward Snowden’s petition for political asylum in Ecuador, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Robert Menendez issued this statement, warning Ecuador of the possible consequences should it provide safe haven for Snowden.
Edward Snowden is a fugitive who has endangered the national security of the United States. His actions merit prosecution, not praise. Snowden has overstayed his welcome at the Moscow airport. I call on the Russian government, in the interest of justice, as well as U.S.-Russian relations, to release him into the custody of the U.S. Government today.
Our government will not reward countries for bad behavior. If Snowden is granted asylum in Ecuador, I will lead the effort to prevent the renewal of Ecuador's duty-free access under GSP and will also make sure there is no chance for renewal of the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act. Trade preferences are a privilege granted to nations, not a right. I urge President Correa to do the right thing by the United States and Ecuador, and deny Snowden's request for asylum.