DPRK might be 'digesting UN message'

UNITED NATIONS - UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman said on Tuesday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea could be digesting the message he took to Pyongyang last week.

During his visit on Dec 5-8, Feltman met with DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho and Vice-Foreign Minister Pak Myong-guk.

The DPRK officials needed time to discuss internally and brief their leaders on the UN message, Feltman told reporters at UN Headquarters after he briefed the Security Council on his visit to Pyongyang.

The DPRK interlocutors listened carefully, asked questions and argued with his delegation, said Feltman.

The DPRK did not make any specific pledges, he said.

"Time will tell what was the impact of our discussions. But I think we have left the door ajar. And I fervently hope that the door to a negotiated solution will now be opened wide," he said.

The DPRK officials agreed that Feltman's visit was the first step and the dialogue should continue, Feltman said. He said he underscored the need to prevent miscalculation and reduce the risk of conflict. The DPRK side agreed that the current situation on the Korean Peninsula is the most tense security issue in today's world, and agreed on the importance of preventing war, he said.

Feltman said he emphasized the importance of opening or reopening technical channels of communications, such as the military-to-military hotline, to reduce risks, to signal intentions to prevent misunderstanding and to manage any crisis.

He said he urged the DPRK to signal readiness to consider a different direction, to consider engagement, to talk about talks. He told the DPRK officials that the United Nations and others can facilitate the processes if desired.

He emphasized that the international community is committed to a peaceful and political solution and is united in its position to the DPRK's pursuit of nuclear weapons.

He said he called for the full implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions concerning the DPRK, some of which impose sanctions.

Feltman's visit was the first by a UN undersecretary-general for political affairs in almost eight years.

Xinhua

(China Daily 12/14/2017 page12)