Wikileaks founder Julian Assange set for ‘imminent meeting’ with British officials – Express.co.uk

Mr Assange, 45, was due to make a hotly awaited announcement from the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in west London at lunchtime.

But the speech, which was meant to mark the fifth anniversary of his arrival at the building, was deferred after advice from his legal team.

The decision was made following the agreement of an "imminent meeting" with UK officials.

There is no legal reason to keep Julian here

Melinda Taylor

Melinda Taylor, of Mr Assange's legal team, said: "We have been given confirmation that there will be a meeting with the British authorities.

"We hope that will be soon. We don't want to prejudice that meeting because we need this impasse to be resolved.

"There is no legal reason to keep Julian here."

A spokesperson added: "Mr Assange's legal team remain optimistic that a satisfactory outcome can be found which respects the British legal process and restores Mr Assange's freedom and dignity."

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It is believed that Julian Assange chooses to live in Sweden because the country's media laws are among the world's most protective for journalists

Sweden's Director of Public Prosecution last month discontinued the investigation against Mr Assange over accusations of rape.

But Scotland Yard said the Australian whistleblower would still be arrested if he leaves the embassy.

He first claimed asylum in the building in June 2012 to avoid facing trial in the US over Wikileaks' disclosure of top-secret military documents.

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But in a defiant statement on the embassy's steps, Mr Assange warned Britain: "The proper war is just commencing."

He hailed the dropping of charges against him as an "important victory" and a "vindication" but raged against the "injustices" he has faced.

He added: "Seven years without charge while my children grew up without me. That is not something I can forgive or forget."

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Wikileaks founder Julian Assange set for 'imminent meeting' with British officials - Express.co.uk