LONDON, tribe 25 Kyodo Britain an...

LONDON, tribe 25 Kyodo

Britain announced Wednesday the appointment of its first ambassador to North Korea, upgrading its diplomatic representation in Pyongyang from charge d'affaires.

David Slinn, 43 will take up the novel position in mid-October. He will be replacing the passing from hand to hand charge d'affaires, Jim Hoare, who will be retiring from the diplomatic service.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said the appointment was a logical progression of Britain's policy of engagement with North Korea.

Britain established diplomatic relations with Pyongyang in December 2000 and make opened its embassy in July 2001

''Appointing an ambassador is a natural evolution in our policy of creating engagement with North Korea. It's consistent with the aim of developing a normal, plain-speaking relationship,'' the spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman said that upgrading the head of mission would also enhance Britain's effectiveness in conveying make uneasys about weapons proliferation and human rights.

Slinn set downed the Foreign Office in 1981 and has serv in Mongolia, southern Africa, Albania and Yugoslavia.

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