London, United Kingdom. North Korea has recalled its ambassador to Britain one month after he took up the post and has downgraded diplomatic relations in response to British sanctions on the Songdowon International Children’s Camp, according to NK News.
Embassy statement
Pyongyang’s embassy in London said in a statement to NK News that it had withdrawn Ambassador Mun Myong Sin and reduced ties to the level of charge d’affaires until Britain lifts sanctions on the camp.
British sanctions
In May, London designated the camp as part of Kremlin-run youth programmes and entities involved in the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
North Korean response
The embassy described Britain’s move as a “heinous, unethical, politically-motivated provocation” and said London was seeking to tarnish North Korea’s image and undermine its ties with Russia, according to NK News.
Pyongyang’s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by state media in May that the sanctions on the Songdowon camp were a malicious act that London would pay a price for. It called the measures groundless and said they damaged the rights and interests of its children, who it said received the “most precious” treatment.
Responses from Britain
North Korea’s embassy in Britain did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office declined to comment to NK News on Mun’s status or the reason for his departure.
Diplomatic context
Britain appointed a new ambassador to North Korea last year, although its embassy in Pyongyang has remained closed since the pandemic.
