Ban Ki-moon, the new secretary-general of the United Nations, called Tuesday for continued patience and commitment from the parties involved in negotiations over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
The incoming head of the world body also vowed support for the nuclear negotiations, but said he has no immediate plans to visit the communist nation.
"It is very regrettable that the latest round of the six-party talks produced no significant progress," Ban told reporters here.
"But as I have repeatedly said, solving a problem through such a multilateral framework takes time." The former South Korean foreign minister returned to his country Sunday for a five-day visit before officially taking office at the beginning of next month.
The latest round of the Beijing-based talks between North Korea, Japan, China, Russia, the United States and South Korea ended last week without an agreement or schedule for another round.
The 62-year-old diplomat said it was important for the parties to continue negotiating "with faith that the issue can be resolved" through negotiations.
"And I will continue to take supportive measures as the secretary-general of the United Nations to help the process move ahead smoothly," Ban said.
He had previously expressed hope and support for the six-nation nuclear talks, but said there were more urgent issues awaiting him at the U.N. when he begins his five-year term next Monday.
Reforming the world body and renovating U.N. headquarters were among the top agenda items he mentioned, but he said armed conflicts throughout the world were the most urgent issues that required his immediate attention.
"Although the reform of the U.N. is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed, there are procedures (that need to be taken)," he said.
"So we can say issues such as the conflicts in Lebanon and Darfur, the Iranian nuclear issue and the dispute between Israel and Palestine are the most urgent matters."
Ban also said he would soon visit conflict areas, but didn't say where or when.
"I already have plans to make two trips (to conflict areas) and the (U.N.) secretariat is working to arrange additional trips," Ban said.
The new U.N. chief paid a courtesy call on President Roh Moo-hyun later in the day.
He was also to meet with National Assembly Speaker Lim Chae-jung Wednesday before leaving Thursday for New York, where he has been preparing since mid-November to take office.
Seoul, Dec. 26 (Yonhap News)
New U.N. chief calls for patience in N. Korean nuclear talks |
