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UK cops have warrant to cuff Assange, talking to his lawyer

Plod keeps schtum over handling of quite warm potato

Julian Assange's lawyer said he is talking to the Metropolitan Police this morning, after which he and his client will decide what to do next.

A European arrest warrant has been issued for Assange. Scotland Yard said this morning it would not be commenting until an arrest was made. This might be a job for them, or for another local force, depending where Assange is. Some reports suggest he could be arrested within hours.

His lawyer, Mark Stephens, told CNN he expected talks to end by mid-morning, after which they'd decide what to do.

Assange has reportedly kept British police aware of his whereabouts. He vehemently denies the allegations of sexual molestation. He has said he fears being extradited to the US - although US authorities have yet to charge him with any offence.

Assange holds Australian citizenship. Australian PM Julie Gillard also weighed in yesterday. Gillard said of Wikileaks: "The foundation stone of it is an illegal act," according to the Herald Sun.

Pressed by the opposition, she was unable to pinpoint which specific law Assange had broken. ®

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