KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 12 -- Mongolia has formally asked Malaysia to intensify talks with Australia for the lawful return of convicted former police officer Sirul Azhar Umar, with effective assurances against the death penalty, as part of a diplomatic push over Altantuya Shaariibuu's murder.

In a statement today, Mongolia's special envoy Zandanshatar Gombojav said his government also wanted lawful ways identified for Sirul, currently in Australia, to testify in the civil proceedings.

"Mongolia and Malaysia are friends, and it is because we value this friendship that we raise this matter openly and with respect," he said.

Mongolia's Foreign Ministry has delivered an official demarche to Malaysia's ambassadors in Bangkok and Beijing through ...