WikiLeaks’ Assange to leave embassy in London ‘soon’

(2ND UPDATE) Assange tells a press conference he 'will be leaving the embassy soon' but not for reasons 'reported by the Murdoch press,' without elaborating further

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (R) and Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Ricardo Patio (L) during a press conference at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, 18 August 2014. Frame grab from the Ecuadorean Embassy's live feed

LONDON, United Kingdom (2ND UPDATE) WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said Monday, August 18, he would "soon" leave Ecuador's embassy in London but his organisation played down the comment, saying he would not depart until there was an agreement with Britain's government.

Assange, who sought asylum in the embassy two years ago, told a press conference: "I can confirm I will be leaving the embassy soon."

He added this would not be for reasons "reported by the Murdoch press", without elaborating further.

British media reported at the weekend, quoting a WikiLeaks source, that he was suffering from the potentially life-threatening heart condition arrhythmia and had a chronic lung complaint as well as dangerously high blood pressure.

But WikiLeaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson told AFP: "What Julian meant is that his plan is to leave as soon as the British government honors its commitment."

Assange was accompanied at the press conference by Ecuador's Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino, who did not mention a plan for Assange to leave the embassy but also called for the governments involved in his case to take action.

"The situation must come to an end two years is simply too long," Patino said.

"We continue to offer him our protection... we continue to be ready to talk with the British government and the Swedish government to find a solution to this serious breach of Julian Assange's human rights."

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WikiLeaks' Assange to leave embassy in London 'soon'