Julian Assange is expected to make a public statement later on the diplomatic row that has engulfed him since being granted asylum by Ecuador.

Wikileaks says its founder is to speak outside the Ecuadorean embassy in London, where he has been since June.

He faces extradition to Sweden over sexual assault claims, which he denies.

His legal adviser Baltasar Garzon said Mr Assange told lawyers to carry out "a legal action" protecting "the rights of Wikileaks [and] Julian himself".

Mr Garzon did not give specific details of the action but said it would also extend to "all those currently being investigated".

He also said Mr Assange was in "fighting spirits" and "thankful to the people and president of Ecuador" and "has always fought for truth and justice".