MOSCOW, October 29 (Itar-Tass) - Ecuador will consider the issue to grant political asylum to former technician of the U.S. National Security Agency Edward Snowden, if the latter makes a request to this effect, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa told a news conference at the Itar-Tass news agency here on Tuesday.

“If Snowden happens to be on the territory of Ecuador, for instance, he will come to the diplomatic mission, we will receive his application and we will consider all legal aspects and will take a decision,” the president of the Latin American country said.

“We act according to the principles rather than conveniences. We do not trade in human rights. The United Nations Organization guarantees to each person in the world the right to ask for political asylum,” Correa added in reply to the question whether Ecuador is concerned over the U.S. pressure, if Snowden applies for political asylum.

“The international law and the Ecuadorian Constitution empower the country’s government to grant political asylum to those whom they find needed,” he noted.