UK Ambassador to US quits following diplomatic spat

The British Ambassador to the US, Sir Kim Darroch, on Wednesday announced his resignation following a diplomatic spat over a leaked e-mail in which he criticized Donald Trump, said Foreign Office.

Over the last two days, Trump took aim at Darroch in aseries of Twitter tirades calling him a “stupid guy” and a”pompous fool” after UK media published a confidential memo in whichthe British diplomat described the President’s Administration “uniquelydysfunctional”, reported Efe news.

   

In a letter, Darroch wrote: “Since the leak of officialdocuments from this Embassy there has been a great deal of speculationsurrounding my position and the duration of my remaining term as ambassador. Iwant to put an end to that speculation. The current situation is making itimpossible for me to carry out my role as I would like.  “Although my posting is not due to enduntil the end of this year, I believe in the current circumstances theresponsible course is to allow the appointment of a new ambassador.

“I am grateful to all those in the UK and the US, whohave offered their support during this difficult few days. This has broughthome to me the depth of friendship and close ties between our two countries. Ihave been deeply touched.” Sir Simon McDonald, Permanent Under Secretaryat the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said he accepted Darroch’s resignationwith “deep personal regret”. He said the outgoing Ambassador has over the last few days behaved withdignity and professionalism.

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