(Repeating DI-14, correcting matter in fourth para)

New Delhi, Sep 30 (UNI) Mr Shivshankar Menon, a 1972 batch Indian Foreign Service Officer, will take over as Foreign Secretary tomorrow.

Mr Menon, who was India's High Commissioner to Pakistan, will have a tenure of three years till July 2009.

He will succeed Mr Saran who has been made Special Envoy for negotiations relating to the civilian nuclear agreement between India and the United States.

Mr Menon, 57, has served in China, Israel, Austria, Japan and Sri Lanka. He was at one time adviser in the Department of Atomic Energy.

His appointment as Foreign Secretary, announced on August 31, was, however, mired in controversy as he superseded more than 15 officers and Mr Rajiv Sikri, Secretary (East), sought voluntary retirement in protest.

Mr Sikri was the senior-most officer after Mr Saran.

UNI YJ VD VV1755