Assange To Leave Ecuador

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange says he will leave London's Ecuadorean embassy "soon" after two years.

He did not clarify when he would depart but said it was "probably not" for the reasons reported by the UK press.

Stories had suggested he was suffering ill-health and required treatment.

Ecuador's foreign minister Ricardo Patino said Mr Assange, who is wanted for questioning over alleged sexual assault offences in Sweden, would continue to be offered "protection".


Mr Assange, 43, who faces questioning by prosecutors in Sweden over claims made by two women, denies the allegations and sought refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in June 2012 shortly after a court ordered his extradition.

He says he fears he could eventually be handed over the US because Wikileaks published classified US military documents on the Afghan and Iraq wars.

He has been living inside the embassy building since then, having been granted diplomatic asylum by Ecuador in August 2012.

Reports in UK newspapers at the weekend said Mr Assange had developed a heart defect and a chronic lung condition during his confinement.

 'Bound to fail'
 
Sitting next to Mr Patino at a news conference, Mr Assange said his health had suffered during his time inside the embassy.

He told journalists: "I can confirm I will be leaving the embassy soon."

The Australian said the reasons for leaving were not those "reported by the Murdoch press" - but did not elaborate further.

If he does leave the Ecuadorian embassy, Mr Assange faces immediate arrest and extradition to Sweden.

Extradition could take place within 10 days of any arrest - unless there are compelling reasons for this to be extended.