North Korean ambassador Kang Chol was expelled from Malaysia Saturday in connection with the assassination of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which occurred in a Malaysian airport. Kang has been given 48 hours to exit the country.
The expulsion came after Kang said Malaysia could not be trusted with the investigation into Kim's death and reportedly did not attend a diplomatic meeting where his presence was requested Friday night. "Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation," said Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman.
Malaysian authorities believe Kim was killed by a banned chemical weapon that was rubbed on his face as he walked through the airport. South Korea has accused Pyongyang of orchestrating the murder, likely because, as The Washington Post notes, "analysts have long suspected that China was keeping Kim Jong Nam ... in reserve as a potential successor to Kim Jong Un, who has had strained relations with the Chinese leadership." North Korea blames Malaysia, accusing its government of an "unfriendly attitude" toward North Korea.
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