Annan welcomes agreement to re-start talks on DPR of Korea

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the agreement reached in Beijing by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and United States negotiators to resume the six-party talks aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of the DPRK nuclear issue.

"The Secretary-General would also like to commend the intensive international efforts, including in particular China and the Republic of Korea for the constructive and tireless work undertaken by them towards this end," said a statement issued by Mr. Annan's spokesman in New York today, referring to other parties to the talks, which also include Japan and the Russian Federation.

It also said that Mr. Annan was strongly encouraged by the determination expressed by the participants of the six-party talks to aim for actual progress at the resumed talks, which should lead to negotiating a stable, secure and prosperous Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons.

"He continues to believe that dialogue, based on goodwill and mutual respect, is the way towards achieving these goals, however challenging they might be, and will continue doing everything possible in support of this work," the statement said.