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| U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon / Korea Times file |
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday that he is making efforts to visit North Korea as soon as circumstances will allow.
The remarks came during a session with Korean correspondents following his visit to South Korea's mission to the United Nations in New York, to pay tribute to the late ex-president Kim Young-sam.
"I cannot elaborate (on the details on the visit to Pyongyang) as of now, but am making an effort to make it happen at the earliest possible date," Ban said.
While Ban's spokesman last week acknowledged the U.N. chief's plans to visit the North, it is the first time that the Secretary General himself has commented on the matter.
"We are receiving positive signals from Pyongyang, and are working out a date for the visit," he said, adding "But nothing has been decided yet."
The chief also said "I do not believe arranging the visit will be easy, and since there are many sensitive issues involved, it requires patience."
Ban has been clear on his stance regarding the North _ that he wishes to play a role in promoting ties between the two Koreas and denuclearization of the North.
He reiterated his stance.
"As the U.N. Secretary-General, and as a South Korean, I have maintained my stance that I would play a role, including a visit to the North, in promoting peace and reconciliation between the North and South and alleviate tension, if there is such an opportunity," Ban said.
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