North Korea forges diplomatic ties with Ireland

SEOUL (AFP) Dec 20, 2003
North Korea has established diplomatic ties with Ireland, Pyongyang said Saturday, as the communist state is seeking to improve ties with the European Union despite tensions over its nuclear programme.

Officials of the two countries met in Pyongyang on December 10 and exchanged documents on the opening of diplomatic relations, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

"It was agreed to establish the diplomatic relations between the two countries on December 10, 2003," KCNA said.

Pyongyang has been endeavoring to improve relations with EU capitals, especially since 2001 when its ties with Washington hit their nadir over the North's nuclear weapons programme.

North Korea began setting up diplomatic relations with EU countries in January 2000 when it opened ties with Italy.

France is the only country among the 13 EU members that has yet to set up diplomatic ties with the Stalinist state. France calls for North Korea to improve its human rights record.

WAR.WIRE