Nato names Norwegian 'ambassador for women'

Nato named a female Norwegian diplomat on Tuesday in a new role created at the nuclear-armed military alliance to promote the role of women in ending conflict. Mari Skare, already an envoy to Nato, was named Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security by Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, an appointment that "demonstrates how much Nato values the unique contribution of women to our armed forces and operations and their important role in conflict prevention and resolution," he said in a statement. Skare is due to take up her new duties in September.