Photo: RNZ
Kiribati's former president Teburoro Tito has resigned from parliament to become the country's representative to the United Nations in New York.
Mr Tito replaces Kiribati's first representative to the UN Makurita Baaro, who has resigned from her post.
She was appointed to the role in 2013 by former president Anote Tong.
A by-election is to be held in South Tarawa to elect a replacement for Mr Tito.
Mr Tito entered politics in 1987 and from 1994 until 2003 he was the country's president.