South Korean intelligence confirms disappearance of North Korean diplomat in Italy
South Korean intelligence has confirmed the disappearance of North Korea's acting ambassador to Italy, Jo Song-gil, in late 2018, along with his wife, amid reports that he sought political asylum from Italian authorities, Yonhap reported.
"Acting Ambassador Jo Song-gil's term ended in late November 2018 and he escaped from the embassy in early November," the news agency quoted data from South Korea's National Intelligence Service.
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| Photo: Sputnik |
Earlier on Thursday, South Korean media reported that Jo Song-gil had sought political asylum and was under the protection of Italian authorities.
Specifically, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper provided information that Mr. Jo Song-gil, 48 years old, is trying to apply for political asylum and has been under the protection of the Italian government since early December.
Jo Song-gil took charge of the embassy after Italy expelled North Korean Ambassador Mun Jong-nam in 2017 over Pyongyang's nuclear program activation at the time.
At the same time, Yonhap also quoted the statement of South Korean President Kim Eui-kyeom, saying that Seoul had no information about this. However, this does not mean that the diplomat's escape is not true.
Normally, the foreign government where North Korean representatives are hiding would notify South Korea, the country that is often the final destination for defectors, of such cases.
Now, amid ongoing confidence-building measures between North Korea and South Korea, the diplomat's defection could complicate the situation, as Pyongyang could demand the return of its citizen.
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