A planned announcement by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy has been deferred on the advice of his legal counsel, following the agreement of an imminent meeting with British authorities. <\/p>\n
Mr Assange was due to make a speech at lunchtime, marking the fifth anniversary of his arrival at the embassy in London. <\/p>\n
As scores of his supporters and media gathered outside the building, it emerged that he was not going ahead with the speech. <\/p>\n
Mr Assanges legal team remain optimistic that a satisfactory outcome can be found which respects the British legal process and restores Mr Assanges freedom and dignity, a statement on his behalf said. <\/p>\n
Melinda Taylor, of Mr Assanges legal team, told the Press Association: We have been given confirmation that there will be a meeting with the British authorities. <\/p>\n
We hope that will be soon. We dont want to prejudice that meeting because we need this impasse to be resolved. <\/p>\n
There is no legal reason to keep Julian here. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n