UN chief lauds China's efforts to promote denuclearization

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Friday voiced his appreciation of China's efforts to promote the denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting in the day in Beijing with a special envoy of the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) generated "positive momentum" in this direction.

The secretary-general made the statement in Entebbe, Uganda, in a response to a question from the press after the Chinese president met with Choe Ryong Hae, the special envoy of Kim Jong Un, leader of the DPRK, a UN spokesman told reporters here. Ban is currently visiting Uganda.

"At this time, I am particularly appreciative of the Chinese leadership and government to facilitate this very positive momentum which has been generated through their bilateral talks," the secretary-general said. "I will follow up this matter and I am ready to do whatever I can in furthering this positive momentum."

During the meeting in Beijing, Xi reaffirmed China's stance of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, stressing that targets should be met by all parties involved no matter how the situation evolves.

Denuclearization and long-lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are common aspirations shared by all people in the region, Xi said.

"China has a very clear position concerning the issue that all the parties involved should stick to the objective of denuclearization, safeguard the peace and stability on the peninsula, and resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation, " Xi said.

Choe, who passed on a letter from Kim Jong Un to Xi during the meeting, said it is the sincere wish of the DPRK to create a peaceful external environment to develop its economy and improve people's livelihood.

Choe, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army and a member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, arrived in Beijing from Pyongyang, DPRK, Wednesday.

The DPRK is ready to work with parties concerned to properly solve relevant issues through multiform dialogue and consultation, including the six-party talks, said Choe, who added the DPRK is willing to adopt active moves to safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

"I am aware of this news, and I am encouraged by positive news coming from the authorities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," Ban said. "I hope this positive stance will be followed up by active implementation through consultation by the parties concerned."

"Obviously, denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula is a top priority and, to facilitate this positive momentum, it will have to be preceded by a lowering of the tension on the Korean Peninsula by the DPRK authorities," the secretary-general said.