Spain expels North Korean ambassador

Spain has kicked out the North Korean ambassador and declared him a persona non-grata over Pyongyang's nuclear brinksmanship.

Spain is expelling the ambassador of North Korea in response to Pyongyang's nuclear tests and missile launches over Japan.

The Foreign Ministry said in a tweet that Ambassador Kim Hyok Chol has been called in and informed he is persona non-grata and will have to leave by the end of the month.

Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis told reporters in New York on Monday that Spain has warned the ambassador there will be consequences if the country continues with the tests, which he said pose a serious threat to international peace and security.

Dastis is in New York for the UN General Assembly in which the North Korea issue will be among the top issues discussed.