South American nations back Ecuador on Assange

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange looks up as he retreats from the window of Ecuadorian Embassy in central London after making a statement to the media and supporters outside, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. Assange called on United States President Barack Obama to end a “witch hunt” against the secret-spilling WikiLeaks organization.(AP Photo/Sang Tan)

GUAYAQUIL—South American nations on Sunday backed Ecuador’s decision to grant asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, urging dialogue to end the crisis pitting Quito against London.

Foreign ministers of the Union of South American Nations, meeting in Ecuador’s biggest city Guayaquil, expressed “solidarity” with Quito and urged the parties “to pursue dialogue in search of a mutually acceptable solution,” according to a joint statement.