North Korea recalls its ambassador to Britain after sanctions on children’s camp, report says

SEOUL, June 18 (Reuters) – North Korea recalled its ambassador to Britain just a month after taking office and downgraded diplomatic relations in response to Britain’s sanctions on a children’s camp, North Korea-based website NK News reported.

Pyongyang’s embassy in London said in a statement to NK News that it had withdrawn Ambassador Mun Myong Sin and downgraded ties to the level of chargé d’affaires until Britain lifts sanctions against the Songdowon International Children’s Camp.

In May, London designated the camp as part of Kremlin-run youth programs and organizations involved in the deportation and brainwashing of Ukrainian children.

According to NK News, the embassy called Britain’s move a “disgusting, unethical, politically motivated provocation” and said London was trying to tarnish North Korea’s image and weaken its ties with Russia.

North Korea’s embassy in Britain did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

Pyongyang’s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by state media in May that the sanctions imposed on the Songdowon camp were a malicious act for which London would pay the price.

He described these as unfounded and said that they harmed the rights and interests of his children, who he said were treated “the most precious”.

Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office declined to comment to NK News on Mun’s situation or the reason for his departure.

Britain appointed a new ambassador to North Korea last year, but its embassy in Pyongyang has remained closed since the outbreak.

(Reporting by Kyu-seok Shim, Editing by Ed Davies)