Ban Ki-moon welcomes steps towards achieving denuclearized Korean Peninsula

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the announcement at the six-party talks – involving the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States – in Beijing of the next steps towards achieving a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

The next phase of denuclearization specifies important measures to implement provisions of an agreement reached in February on dismantling the DPRK’s nuclear weapons facilities, and Mr. Ban is “encouraged by this important step forward in multilateral diplomatic efforts towards a nuclear-free Peninsula,” according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“Given the vital importance of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, these efforts deserve strong support from the international community in order to maintain the current momentum.”

The Secretary-General voiced hope that all parties will intensify their efforts towards denuclearization, peace and security in the region, as well as build mutual trust among them.

Today’s announcement comes as the leaders of DPRK and the Republic of Korea are holding a landmark three-day summit in Pyongyang.

Earlier this week, Mr. Ban said that he hopes they will use “this historic occasion to lay a solid foundation for peace and stability” on the Korean Peninsula.