WikiLeaks’ Assange says he will leave embassy soon …

LONDON Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks who was given asylum in the Ecuadorean Embassy here two years ago, said Monday he will be leaving the embassy soon but provided no specifics.

In a long and wandering news conference at which he was accompanied by the Ecuadorean foreign minister, Ricardo Patio, Assange summarized his case, arguing that he had helped bring about needed change in the British extradition system and saying that his health was suffering after two years at the embassy.

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Assange faces extradition to Sweden, which is investigating allegations of sexual misconduct, and the British police continue to post a 24-hour guard at the embassy at a cost of more than $10 million.

Assange argues that he has not been charged with any crime and that he fears if he leaves the embassy, he will be extradited to the United States. Investigations there continue into the disclosure of classified material to WikiLeaks, which posted material on its website and arranged for other newspapers, including The New York Times, to publish some of it.

The United States has not sought Assanges extradition and there has been no public indictment of him.

The British media, especially Sky News, had reported before the news conference that Assange would announce he was leaving the embassy to seek medical treatment.

Quoting a WikiLeaks source, media reports said that he was suffering from heart arrhythmia, very high blood pressure, and a chronic lung condition.

On Monday, Assange said he had decided to leave soon, but perhaps not for the reasons that the Murdoch press are saying at the moment. He did not elaborate.

Patio said Ecuador supported Assange and would continue to seek a negotiated legal end to the standoff.

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WikiLeaks’ Assange says he will leave embassy soon ...