Accessibility links

Breaking News

Pyongyang Authorities Release Russian Ship


20 December 2005 -- North Korea's state media say authorities have released a Russian shipping vessel after holding it for two weeks.

The ship, with a 14-member crew, was transporting cargo from South Korea to Vladivostok when a heavy storm on 5 December prompted it to seek shelter in North Korean waters.

Local border guards later seized the vessel and forced it to dock at the port of Kimchaek, pending talks with Russian officials on the legality of the ship's actions.

The official Korean Central News Agency reported today that Pyongyang had decided to send back the ship in consideration of its relations with Russia.

The report said the ship was entirely to blame for the delayed investigation because it has not complied with North Korean demands on time.

(AFP)

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG