LONDON (Government News Network) Thorda Abbott-Watt has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia.
Abbott-Watt’s career has already included postings to Latin America–Eastern and Western Europe and–most recently–Dushanbe–where she opened Britain’s first ever embassy in Tajikistan.
Looking ahead to her move to Yerevan she said–". . . to borrow from Gladstone–’to serve Armenia is to serve civilization.’ I am both delighted and honored to have been appointed British Ambassador in Yerevan. The UK is committed to a strong–stable and independent Armenia and I intend to ensure that Britain continues to help with the important reform process underway."
And noting that her posting raised to 22 the number of female heads of post overseas–Miss Abbott-Watt added–"I look forward to the day when it is no longer remarkable to see a women Ambassador in the flag car. But if my appointment encourages other women to believe that today’s Foreign Office is a place where they can pursue a career to the top–then I am doubly proud."
Miss Abbott-Watt will take up her new appointment in December 2002. She succeeds Timothy Jones who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
Thorhilda (Thorda) Mary Vivia Abbott-Watt was born in London–on 11 February 1955 and graduated from Institute of Linguists–examinations in French and German–also speak Spanish–some Ukrainian and limited Russian.
Ambassador Watt’s Career
2001-2002 DUSHANBE (Charge d’Affaires)
2001 FCO (Security Strategy Unit)
1999-2001 FCO (Head of Section–Joint Entry Clearance Unit)
1998-1999 BELGRADE (First Secretary Political)
1995-1998 KIEV (Head–Commercial and Know How Fund Sections)
1991-1994 FCO (Western European Department)
1991-1991 FCO (European Community Department (Presidency))
1991-1991 FCO (European Community Department (Internal))
1988-1991 BONN (Second Secretary Chancery)
1986-1988 FCO (Maritime–Aviation and Environment Department)
1984-1986 BRUSSELS (UKREP) (Third Secretary Chancery)
1981-1984 PARIS (Vice Consul)
1979-1980 Temporary duty in Latin America and the Far East
1978-1979 MEXICO CITY (Language training)
1976-1977 FCO (Rhodesia Department)
1974-1976 FCO (Protocol Department)
1974 Entered FCO
