US embassy expresses support for Malaysia's handling of Jong-nam murder probe
NST
KUALA LUMPUR: The United States embassy in Malaysia has expressed support for Malaysia’s response in its handling of the investigation into the assassination of Kim Jong-nam.
An embassy spokesperson, in a text message to the New Straits Times today, said: “We condemn in the strongest terms the use of chemical weapons. We urge North Korea to adhere to the Vienna Convention (On Diplomatic Relations)”.
The US State Department in its website stated that they have no formal diplomatic relations with North Korea.
“Sweden acts as the protecting power of United States interests in North Korea for consular matters.
“Since the Korean War, the United States has maintained a strong military presence in South Korea,” it said.
Pyongyang had earlier today announced it was barring Malaysians from leaving North Korea until the incident that took place here is “properly solved”.
Meanwhile, the Home Ministry in an immediate response, said North Korean embassy staff in Malaysia have been barred from leaving the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today day sent a strong message to Pyongyang, calling its move as “abhorrent” and urged them to release all Malaysians currently held in North Korea.