Nuclear Tensions: North Korea Warns Britain, Other European Countries To Evacuate Diplomatic Staff

As fallout of the nuclear tensions surrounding North Korea, the country has said it cannot assure the safety of embassies in Pyongyang after April 10, and has urged Britain, Russia and other European nations to evacuate their diplomatic staff.

The countries across Europe on Friday reported receiving a letter suggesting they pull out of Pyongyang, as North Korea moved two mid-range missiles to its east coast. A spokeswoman for Britain’s Foreign Office noted that “Their communication said that from April 10, the North Korean government would be unable to guarantee the safety of embassies and international organisations in the country in the event of conflict.
“Our understanding is that the North Koreans were asking whether embassies are intending to leave, rather than advising them to leave.” Britain was considering its next steps, she said, while reminding North Korea of its responsibilities under the Vienna Convention to protect diplomatic missions.
Russia, which has relatively close ties with North Korea, also received the warning. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was in close contact with its partners including China over the suggestion: “The suggestion was made to all embassies in Pyongyang and we are trying to clarify the situation,” Russian news agencies quoted Lavrov as saying on a visit to Uzbekistan.