South Korean PresidentMoon Jae-inhas asked the United Nationsto verify the planned closure of North Korea's nuclear test site, a UN Spokesmansaid today.
Moon made the request in a phone call to UN Secretary-generalAntonio Guterresyesterday, a few days after North Korean leader Kim JongUntold the South Korean leader he planned to shut down the Test Sitein May.
"The Presidentsought the support of the United Nationsto verify the imminent closure of the DPRK's nuclear test site, as announced by the Dprk ChairmanKim JongUn," said UN SpokesmanStephane Dujarric The Democratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK) is North Korea's official name.
Moon also asked for UN support to "transform the demilitarised zone into a peace zone" between the two Koreas, he added.
Guterres said the United Nationswas ready to discuss possible forms of support, but no details were provided.
The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA), the UN's global nuclear watchdog, has the expertise to carry out verification missions.
Kim told Moon during the summit on Friday that he planned to dismantle the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Siteas the leaders pledged to pursue a permanent peace treaty and denuclearise the Korean Peninsula
The Security Councilhas imposed tough economic sanctions on North Koreaafter Pyongyanglast year carried out a sixth nuclear test and a series of advanced missile launches. Guterres on Friday applauded the "truly historic summit" between the Korean leaders and urged them to quickly turn their commitments into action.
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