Complete denuclearization on Korean Peninsula urged

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-02 00:45

TOKYO -- Visiting United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday lauded the latest development in resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and called on all parties of the six-party talks to grasp the opportunity for complete denuclearization.

The latest development was an encouraging and positive step, and all parties should take the opportunity to strengthen communications and cooperation, Ban said at a press conference held at the Correspondents' Club of Japan.

With regard to the issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s past abduction of Japanese nationals, Ban said he hopes the DPRK's consent of reinvestigation would turn to be a chance to address the long-lasting issue.

Ban called on the Japanese government to deal with the issue by conducting in-depth dialogue with the DPRK side, and expressed his expectation that the DPRK should fulfill its commitment.

Ban said that as the UN chief, he will make utmost efforts to assist works between Japan and the DPRK.

About the upcoming Group of Eight summit to be held in northern Japan's Hokkaido Prefecture early next week, Ban said developed nations, based on their capacity and resources, should take the lead in addressing globally common challenges such as combating the climate change, achieving the UN Millennium Goals, and alleviating the food crisis. He expected that G8 leaders make clear their political will at the summit.

Ban left Japan around noon for China, the second leg of his three-nation Asia tour, which will also take him to South Korea.