March 8, 12

NEWS / Nuclear security on the agenda as Ban holds talks with Republic of Korea minister

8 March 2012 –
The situation on the Korean Peninsula, including the nuclear issue and humanitarian concerns, featured in talks today between Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

During their meeting at UN Headquarters, Mr. Ban told Kim Sung-hwan that he welcomed the recent agreement between the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on initial steps towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Mr. Ban emphasized the importance of faithful implementation of the steps to be taken by the DPRK, according to information released by his spokesperson.

The Secretary-General also said he hoped that the parties concerned step up their efforts to settle outstanding issues by peaceful means, including dialogue. In this context, he underscored the importance of the inter-Korean dialogue and hoped for improved cross-border relations.

He also commended the ROK’s leadership in advancing global efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism and strengthen the global nuclear security and safety regime, and said he looked forward to the Nuclear Security Summit, to be held in the capital, Seoul, from 26 to 27 March.

At the meeting, Mr. Ban shared the deep concern with the Foreign Minister about the dislocated people from the DPRK, and encouraged the concerned parties to do their utmost to find a mutually agreeable solution.

He also reiterated his concerns about the severe food and nutrition problems in the DPRK, and thanked the ROK for its contribution to humanitarian assistance.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41491&Cr=dprk&Cr1=