Pyongyang, KL bar exit of each other’s people

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - North Korea on Tuesday banned Malaysians from leaving the country, a move that dramatically escalated the bitter diplomatic battle over the death of the North Korean leader’s half brother.

Malaysia likened the ban to hostage-taking and responded in kind, closing its borders to North Koreans who want to leave.

The tit-for-tat directives came as relations between the two countries disintegrate over the poisoning of Kim Jong-nam in a crowded airport terminal in Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 13. A Malaysian autopsy determined that VX nerve agent, a banned chemical weapon, killed him.

Although there is growing speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack, Malaysia has never directly accused Pyongyang. Still, North Korea has slammed the investigation as flawed and biased.

On Tuesday, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said that Pyongyang was banning Malaysians from leaving the country “until the safety of the diplomats and citizens of [North Korea] in Malaysia is fully guaranteed through the fair settlement of the case that occurred in Malaysia.”

Malaysia is looking for seven North Korean suspects. Three of them, including an official at the North Korean Embassy, are believed to still be in Malaysia. Earlier Tuesday, Malaysia’s police chief said the three are probably holed up inside the embassy.

Soon after North Korea announced its travel ban, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak issued a strong condemnation and said he was barring North Koreans from leaving.

“This abhorrent act, effectively holding our citizens hostage, is in total disregard of all international law and diplomatic norms,” Najib said in a statement. “I have also instructed the inspector general of Police to prevent all North Korean citizens in Malaysia from leaving the country until we are assured of the safety and security of all Malaysians in North Korea,” he said.

Malaysian officials had initially said the ban would affect only North Korean Embassy staff and officials, but later expanded it to include all North Koreans. Police briefly cordoned off access to the embassy.

About 1,000 North Koreans are believed to be working in Malaysia. Before diplomatic ties broke down, Malaysia had been one of the few places in the world where North Koreans could travel without a visa. As a result, for years it’s been a quiet destination for North Koreans looking for jobs, schools and business deals.

Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Marican said that there were 11 Malaysians in North Korea: three working at the Malaysian Embassy, two United Nations workers and six family members. North Korea said Malaysian diplomats and citizens “may work and live normally under the same conditions and circumstances as before” during the period of the temporary exit ban.

AP