http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-21/assange-speaks-from-ecuadorian-embassy/4439500

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has spoken from the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in London, six months after seeking refuge there.

Mr Assange used the address to a crowd of supporters to thank the Ecuadorian government and its people for giving them refuge, after he fled to their embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces questioning over sexual assault allegations.

“Thanks to the principled stance of the Ecuadorian government and the support of its people, I am safe in this embassy to speak to you,” Mr Assange said.

“Every single day outside, for 185 days, people like you have watched over this embassy come rain, hail and shine, every single day.

“I have been sustained by your solidarity and I am grateful for the efforts of people all around the world supporting the work of WikiLeaks, supporting freedom of speech, freedom of the press – essential elements in any democracy.”

There were about 50 supporters and the same number of police and media outside the Knightsbridge embassy.

According to reports Mr Assange, has been living in a state of limbo inside the embassy, with nothing but a laptop, a running machine, a sunlamp and a microwave for company.

How much longer he will stay at the embassy is still unknown, but if he leaves he could be arrested for breach of bail conditions.

The ongoing police operation outside the embassy is said to already cost the UK government more than $3 million.