Julian Assange to End Ecuadorian Embassy Stand-off Sometime 'Soon'

Julian Assange has said he will leave the Ecuador embassy, where he has been holed up for two years "soon".

Wikileaks founder Assange announced his intention at a press conference from inside the building in central London.

He said changes in UK law meant that the threat of extradition to Sweden on sex allegations had faded.

Asssange also admitted he was suffering with health complaints from being inside the building for two years.

He said: "I can confirm I will leave the embassy soon, but not for the reason you might think."

Speculation about an end to Assange's long spell behind closed doors began, following an interview he gave to the Mail on Sunday, last weekend. In it, he spoke of health problems and came across as no longer having the appetite for the siege.

Assange has numerous health problems as a result of spending more than two years indoors at the Ecuador embassy. They include heart and lung problems, high blood pressure and failing eyesight. It is possible Assange may be in need of hospital treatement.

A Wikileaks spokesman denied Assange was planning to end his confinement in the Ecuadorian embassy. The denial was repeated by the Australian's lawyer, who said there were no plans to surrender to police.

More to follow.