Germany's North Korean embassy remains open
The German Embassy in North Korea will continue working as usual for the time being, following Pyongyang's warnings to several diplomatic missions that their safety could not be guaranteed.
"The security of the German embassy and its exposure to danger are continually being evaluated," the German foreign ministry said in a statement.
"For now, the embassy can continue working."
"Regarding the embassy's security, there are ongoing consultations, particularly with the other foreign partners who also have embassies" in the country, the statement said.
The heads of EU missions in North Korea were to meet on Saturday to hammer out a common position following the Pyongyang's warning.
Most of their governments made it clear they had no immediate plans to withdraw personnel, and some suggested the advisory was a ruse to fuel growing global anxiety over the current crisis on the Korean peninsula.
On Friday Pyongyang’s called on foreign governments to get their employees to leave the North Korean capital.
The Foreign Ministry did not say how long it expects its diplomatic mission in North Korea to be operating, but on Friday Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle summoned North Korea’s ambassador to Berlin for a scolding over Pyongyang’s recent threat escalations.
He said he expected the North Korean government to protect foreign diplomats, in accordance with international law.
North Korea has stepped up its nuclear threats in recent weeks and has even suggested it is prepared to attack the United States. Countries in the region are on edge, as they are unsure what North Korea is exactly capable of.
The Local/AFP/DPA/mw
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"The security of the German embassy and its exposure to danger are continually being evaluated," the German foreign ministry said in a statement.
"For now, the embassy can continue working."
"Regarding the embassy's security, there are ongoing consultations, particularly with the other foreign partners who also have embassies" in the country, the statement said.
The heads of EU missions in North Korea were to meet on Saturday to hammer out a common position following the Pyongyang's warning.
Most of their governments made it clear they had no immediate plans to withdraw personnel, and some suggested the advisory was a ruse to fuel growing global anxiety over the current crisis on the Korean peninsula.
On Friday Pyongyang’s called on foreign governments to get their employees to leave the North Korean capital.
The Foreign Ministry did not say how long it expects its diplomatic mission in North Korea to be operating, but on Friday Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle summoned North Korea’s ambassador to Berlin for a scolding over Pyongyang’s recent threat escalations.
He said he expected the North Korean government to protect foreign diplomats, in accordance with international law.
North Korea has stepped up its nuclear threats in recent weeks and has even suggested it is prepared to attack the United States. Countries in the region are on edge, as they are unsure what North Korea is exactly capable of.
The Local/AFP/DPA/mw
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