N Koreans leave Canadian embassy

The group were disguised as construction workers

Canada says 44 North Koreans who sought asylum at the Canadian embassy in Beijing in September have now left China for an undisclosed third country.

Their departure follows nearly three months of negotiations between the Canadian and Chinese governments.

During that time the North Koreans have remained in the embassy.

Beijing as Pyongyang's ally deports any refugees it catches. But those who make it to foreign missions are usually able to leave China, often for South Korea.

A Canadian foreign ministry spokesman refused to say which country the group of 44 had been taken to, but thanked Beijing for helping to resolve the issue.

The group - reportedly made up of 12 men, 26 women and six children - used ladders to scale the three-metre wall of the compound on 29 September.

I would also like to thank the Chinese government for working with us to resolve this issue Pierre Pettigrew Canadian Foreign Minister

Although they used quilts to protect against the sharp spikes on the top of the wall, some were injured in the attempt.

Sebastien Theberge, spokesman for Canadian Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew, confirmed on Thursday that the group of 44 had left for another country.

"The Canadian Embassy in Beijing is back to normal operations," he was quoted by the Associated Press as saying.

Taking a chance

In a statement Mr Pettigrew praised the "heroic efforts" of embassy staff in dealing with the crisis.

"I would also like to thank the Chinese government for working with us to resolve this issue in a way that is consistent with our international obligations and in keeping with our humanitarian concerns," he said.

Escaping North Korea Risking life for freedom

China initially said the group should be handed over to its own officials.

Such incidents are embarrassing for Beijing, Pyongyang's closest traditional ally, and it has thrown heavy security around embassies to try to deter such asylum attempts.

But despite the risks, many North Koreans are still prepared to take the chance. Activists estimate about 200,000 are currently hiding out in China.