Swedish prosecutors say Assange will be interviewed Oct. 17

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange makes a speech from the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy, in central London, Britain February 5, 2016. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls/File Photo

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Ecuador has set an October 17 date for the questioning of Julian Assange in a Swedish rape investigation, a move that could end a four year long deadlock ever since the WikiLeaks founder took refuge in Ecuador's London embassy.

Swedish prosecutors said the questioning will be conducted by an Ecuadorian prosecutor. Swedish chief prosecutor Ingrid Isgren and a police investigator will be allowed to be present to ask questions through the Ecuadorian prosecutor, who will later report the findings to Sweden.