article_snippet: (CNN)Swedish prosecutors have asked Julian Assange's legal representatives whether the WikiLeaks founder would consent to be interviewed in London and have Julian DNA taken via a swab.
article_snippet: Assange has been holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London since June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where prosecutors want to question Julian about 2010 allegations that Julian raped one woman and sexually molested another.
article_snippet: Swedish prosecutors have previously balked at coming to Britain to question Assange.
article_snippet: If Assange gives Assange consent, the prosecutor will promptly submit a request for legal assistance to the British authorities to further continue the investigation," a statement from Marianne Ny, the director of public prosecutions said.
article_snippet: A request will also be made to the British authorities for permission to "perform investigative measures" at the British authorities , a statement from Marianne Ny, the director of public prosecutions said.
article_snippet: Ecuador granted Assange political asylum in 2012.
article_snippet: He's said He fears Sweden would extradite He to the United States, where He could face the death penalty if He is charged and convicted of publishing government secrets through WikiLeaks.
article_snippet: He said Assange's legal team would travel over to London as soon as possible to discuss Ny's request and that Ny's request expects to respond next week.
article_snippet: We think that the prosecutor general, who has taken over the case, probably told Prosecutor Ny to interview Assange in London," He said.
article_snippet: Assange has previously said the arrest warrant should be thrown out because, in part, Swedish authorities declined to interview He at the Ecuadorian Embassy, thereby prolonging a preliminary investigation that He said should have concluded long ago.
article_snippet: London's Metropolitan Police said last month that the cost of the operation to guard the embassy to prevent Assange fleeing had spiraled to more than 10 million pounds ($15.3 million.)
highlights_snippet: Lawyer for Assange says they view the request positively but will have to discuss response .
  
highlights_snippet: Swedish prosecutors will ask Assange lawyers if Swedish prosecutors can question Assange in London .
  
highlights_snippet: Assange is wanted for questioning over sexual abuse claims in Sweden; Assange denies the allegations .