GETTY Julian Assange will not go to the US unless the case against him 'is dropped'.

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The WikiLeaks founder, who has been holed up inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for more than four years, had vowed to turn himself in if military whistleblower Chelsea Manning was released. However, with Manning’s sentence now commuted, one of Barack Obama’s final acts in office, Assange has confirmed the only deal he is prepared to strike with the US Justice Department before he leaves London. The 45-year-old Australian has gradually drawn back from the pledge after Wikileaks promised Assange would agree to extradition before Barack Obama took the action. The website tweeted: "If Obama grants Manning clemency, Julian Assange will agree to US extradition despite clear unconstitutionality of DoJ (Department of Justice) case."

But, speaking on ITV's Peston on Sunday, Assange explained the circumstances in which he would go to the US. Robert Peston asked: "Will you be leaving?" Appearing to duck the issue, Assange explained what a victory the reduction in Manning's sentence had been. But, Peston continued: "Are you saying you are not ready?"

We have approached the DoJ and asked, 'are you going to drop the case?' We say it is unlawful, but we have not heard back so the ball is in their court. Julian Assange

The US has confirmed it is still investigating Wikileaks role in the publication of top secret documents in 2010, provided by Manning who was convicted separately. Mr Assange said: "We have approached the DoJ, saying are they going to drop this case? "We say it's unconstitutional, it is unlawful, that it should not be pursued. What are they going to do? "We haven’t heard back from the DoJ yet, the ball is in their court." The White House has already said that Assange’s offer to hand himself in did not influence the pardoning of Manning.

Things you may not know about Julian Assange Tue, March 7, 2017 WikiLeaks Founder, Julian Assange has led a very interesting and controversial life which has been at the centre of global debate Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 10 It is believed that Julian Assange chooses to live in Sweden because the country's media laws are among the world's most protective for journalists