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Jakarta Post

COVID-19: Indonesian mission in Pyongyang to remain operational: Envoy

Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Tue, March 10, 2020

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COVID-19: Indonesian mission in Pyongyang to remain operational: Envoy Volunteers carry out temperature screening during an antivirus campaign in Pyongyang in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on March 4. (Reuters/KCNA)

T

he Indonesian mission to North Korea in Pyongyang will remain operational despite the closures of other foreign embassies and the evacuation of diplomats from the city, following weeks of tight quarantine restrictions imposed in response to the continued global spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

“Based on our own assessment of the conditions on the ground until present, we will remain open,” Indonesian Ambassador Berlian Napitupulu told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

As many as 20 Indonesian nationals currently live in North Korea, almost all of whom are embassy staffers.

The envoy’s statement comes following the closure of several embassies in the North Korean capital on Monday after the government ordered hundreds of foreigners including diplomats to go into virtual lockdown in their own premises, AFP reports.

These restrictions were finally eased last week after more than a month, and more than 200 foreigners were allowed to leave their compounds.

Monday’s evacuation efforts also came after reports that special flights were being arranged to fly diplomats and other foreigners out of Pyongyang to the Russian city of Vladivostok.

"Sad to say farewell this morning to colleagues from German Embassy and French Office #NorthKorea which are closing temporarily," tweeted Colin Crooks, the British ambassador to North Korea, who added that the United Kingdom embassy would remain open.

North Korea has not confirmed a single case of infection from the coronavirus but has imposed strict measures, including closing off its borders and putting thousands of its own people in isolation.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned last month of “serious consequences” if the virus reached his country, which has also banned tourists from entering and suspended international train travel and flights.

The North Korean regime, which is subject to multiple international sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, has weak medical infrastructure and analysts say that prevention is its only option.

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