France, Germany withdraw diplomats from North Korea

SANAA, March 9 (YPA) – Germany and France withdrew their representatives from North Korea on Monday and closed their missions due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, Britain’s ambassador to North Korea, Colin Crooks siad.

North Korea has not reported any cases of the virus, but has  put all people coming  from countries where the disease has spread in quarantine for 30 days, and has stepped up border inspections.

It is not known why German and French diplomats have left the country, and Crooks said on Twitter, “It is sad to say goodbye this morning to my colleagues from the German Embassy and the French Office in North Korea who are temporarily closing their positions.”

“The British embassy is still open,” the British ambassador added.

Crooks posted pictures of white vehicles that appeared to be transporting his colleagues to the airport.

Germany has an embassy in North Korea, and France only has an office to promote exchanges between the two countries.

CNN previously reported that there were plans to evacuate 60 North Korean diplomats, including Germans, French and Swiss.

E.M