Mr Assange, 45, was due to make a hotly awaited announcement from the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in west London at lunchtime. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The decision was made following the agreement of an \"imminent meeting\" with UK officials. <\/p>\n
There is no legal reason to keep Julian here <\/p>\n
Melinda Taylor <\/p>\n
Melinda Taylor, of Mr Assange's legal team, said: \"We have been given confirmation that there will be a meeting with the British authorities. <\/p>\n
\"We hope that will be soon. We don't 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
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.\" <\/p>\n
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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 <\/p>\n
Sweden's Director of Public Prosecution last month discontinued the investigation against Mr Assange over accusations of rape. <\/p>\n
But Scotland Yard said the Australian whistleblower would still be arrested if he leaves the embassy. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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But in a defiant statement on the embassy's steps, Mr Assange warned Britain: \"The proper war is just commencing.\" <\/p>\n
He hailed the dropping of charges against him as an \"important victory\" and a \"vindication\" but raged against the \"injustices\" he has faced. <\/p>\n
He added: \"Seven years without charge while my children grew up without me. That is not something I can forgive or forget.\" <\/p>\n
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