Welcoming Resumed Talks, Secretary-General Encourages Republic of Korea and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to De-escalate Situation on Peninsula

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the high-level meeting between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which was held today.  He further takes note of the agreement that the discussions will be resumed tomorrow.

He encourages both sides to use the resumed discussions to pave the way for de-escalating the situation and promoting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.  He calls on the parties to redouble efforts to resolve differences through dialogue while refraining from taking any measure that is not conducive to dialogue.