Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
On progress towards a Non-Nuclear Korean Peninsula

The Secretary-General strongly welcomes the accord reached at the six-party talks in Beijing on initial actions to implement the 2005 Joint Statement on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Secretary-General is encouraged that this constructive effort by the international community can eventually result in strengthening the global non-proliferation regime, as well as in contributing to durable peace, security and prosperity in the region. This agreement represents the first practical stage towards a non-nuclear Peninsula.

The Secretary-General also welcomes the commitment by all participants to move expeditiously towards the next stage of this process. In this regard, the establishment in the immediate future of five working groups should allow the participants to address the wide ranges of issues relating to the region in a comprehensive way.

The Secretary-General urges the participants to make every effort to sustain the current positive momentum and ensure that this accord is implemented as agreed.