Assange Speaks on Embassy Balcony

Criticizes U.S. targeting of WikiLeaks and Bradley Manning

Wearing a crisp blue shirt and a red tie, Julian Assange has appeared on the balcony.

"I am here today because I cannot be there with you today," he says in a speech which is directed as much to the assembled crowds of supporters below as anyone else.

"But thank you for your resolve, for your generosity of spirit."

"On Wednesday night after a threat was made on this embassy and police descended on this embassy, you came out to watch over it."

Assange said that he could hear police "storming" up through the internal fire escapes of the embassy

He adds: "If the UK did not throw away the terms of the Vienna convention it was because the world was watching and the world was watching because you were watching."