Julian Assange closer to being a high tech terrorist: US

WASHINGTON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is closer to being a high-tech terrorist, even as the US is yet to determine the type of charges to be framed against him, Vice-President Joe Biden said today.

"I would argue that it's closer to being a high-tech terrorist than the Pentagon papers," Biden told the NBC News in an interview.

"This guy (Assange) has done things that have damaged and put in jeopardy the lives and occupations of people in other parts of the world.

He has made it more difficult for us to conduct our business with our allies and our friends," Biden said.

"For example, in my meetings -- you know I meet with most of these world leaders.

There is a desire now to meet with me alone rather than have staff in the room. It makes things more cumbersome.

So it has done damage," the Vice President said in response.

When asked if he considered Assange a criminal, Biden said: "If he conspired to get these classified documents with a member of the US Military that's fundamentally different than if somebody drops on your lap, "Here, David, you're a press person. Here is classified material."