UN staff continuing work in North Korea
Apr 5, 2013, 5:29 PM
UNITED NATIONS (AP) – The U.N. says its staff is continuing to work in North Korea while Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon studies a message from North Korea saying the world body should consider evacuating U.N. personnel from the country.
U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said a U.N. representative joined diplomats at a meeting Friday afternoon in Pyongyang where the North’s foreign ministry delivered the message.
“The secretary-general is studying the message and the United Nations will respond as appropriate,” Nesirky said.
He said U.N. staff “remain engaged in their humanitarian and developmental work throughout the country.”
The U.N. says it has 36 international staff and 21 national staff working for seven U.N. agencies and programs, plus family members.
Nesirky reiterated Ban’s concern at escalating tensions spurred by North Korea’s recent nuclear threats.
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