ANNIVERSARY

Julian Assange hopes the impasse over his case can be resolved after a “huge” year for WikiLeaks.

Speaking ahead of the fifth anniversary of his arrival at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, Mr Assange thanked the “amazing” supporters who have helped him cope with living inside the building for so long.

He has been granted political asylum by the Ecuador government, won the backing of a United Nations panel and seen the Swedish authorities suddenly drop a seven-year investigation into sex-related allegations against him.

He maintains, however, the “road is far from over”, adding it was “extremely regretful” he was still being threatened with arrest if he leaves the embassy.