Malaysia recalls diplomat

Tensions rise with North Korea

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia’s ambassador to North Korea has been recalled from Pyongyang amid rising tensions between the countries over the death in Kuala Lumpur of an estranged scion of North Korea’s ruling family.

The Malaysian foreign ministry said in a statement this morning that it had recalled its ambassador “for consultations” and had summoned Kang Chol, North Korea’s ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, “to seek an explanation on the accusations he made against the Government of Malaysia.”

Kang said Malaysia may be “trying to conceal something” and that the autopsy on Kim Jong Nam was carried out “unilaterally and excluding our attendance.” Kim Jong Nam is the half brother of North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un.

The statement called Kang’s comments “baseless,” adding it “takes very seriously any unfounded attempt to tarnish its reputation.”

Security camera footage obtained by Japanese television appears to show a careful and deliberate attack last week on Kim Jong Nam.

The footage, obtained by Fuji TV and often grainy and blurred, seems to show two women approaching him from different directions as he stands at a ticketing kiosk at the budget terminal of the Kuala Lumpur airport. One comes up behind him and appears to hold something over his mouth for a few seconds.

Then the women turn and calmly walk away in different directions. More footage shows Kim walking up to airport workers and security officials, gesturing at his eyes and seemingly asking for help. He then walks alongside them as they lead him to the airport clinic.