A South Korean Army soldier walks on Unification Bridge in Paju, South Korea.
The UN has said that its staff are 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 UN personnel from the country.
UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said a UN representative joined diplomats at a meeting in Pyongyang this afternoon where the North’s foreign ministry delivered the message.
“The Secretary-General is studying the message and the United Nations will respond as appropriate,” Mr Nesirky said.
He said UN staff “remain engaged in their humanitarian and developmental work throughout the country”.
The UN says it has 36 international staff and 21 national staff working for seven UN agencies and programmes, plus family members.
Mr Nesirky reiterated Mr Ban’s concern at escalating tensions spurred by North Korea’s recent nuclear threats.
