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N Korea opens diplomatic mission in HK

HONG KONG: Stalinist North Korea opened a diplomatic mission in Hong Kong on Wednesday, coinciding with the 58th birthday of its leader Kim Jong-il.

"We open our consulate general to coincide with the celebrations of our excellency Kim Jong-il's birthday. It's our privilege," Consul Song Il-hyok told reporters.

North Korea had no diplomatic ties with Britain which ruled Hong Kong for 156 years until July 1997. It received permission to open the mission after China, one of its few allies, resumed control over this southern Chinese city.

A Western diplomat, who requested anonymity, said his government had concerns over the opening of the mission.

North Korea has diplomatic missions in only a few countries, including a consulate general in former Portuguese-ruled Macau, south-west of Hong Kong.-Reuters