Australia “intends” to provide “consular and other forms of assistance” to WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange “without fear or favour,” according to Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd on Wednesday. The promise has drawn attention because of Australia's close ties with the United States.
On the WikiLeaks saga, Mr. Rudd said: “The core problem lies with the U.S. protection of its own diplomatic communications. … And, the Australian Federal Police will investigate whether Mr. Assange has committed or not committed any possible offence against Australia. [However] the key thing now … is about Mr. Assange's legal rights in terms of the matters he is facing both in the U.K. and in Sweden. … We will be providing him with a letter soon which indicates we will be prepared to provide consular visits and any other level of consular support concerning his wellbeing and his legal rights.”
