[Photo] UN Undersecretary for Political Affairs begins visit to North Korea

The United Nations announced on that Jeffrey Feltman, UN Undersecretary for Political Affairs and a former US diplomat, will undertake a four-day trip to North Korea beginning on Dec. 5. A UN spokesman said that an informal invitation was offered by the North Koreans in September, and the visit was confirmed on Nov. 30. Feltman, who is the highest ranking UN official to visit North Korea in six years, is expected to visit with Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho as well as foreign diplomats and UN staff. Prior to the UN Security Council’s emergency meeting on Nov. 30 to discuss the launch of the Hwasong-15 missile, Feltman delivered opening remarks, stating that, “Security Council unity…creates an opportunity for sustained diplomatic engagement. An opportunity must be seized in these dangerous times to seek offramps and work to create conditions for negotiations.” (AFP/Yonhap News)