UN calls for resolution to N Korea nuclear stand-off

The special UN envoy on human rights in North Korea urged a quick resolution of the nuclear stand-off with Pyongyang today, saying it would help improve human rights in the communist regime.

Vitit Muntarbhorn said resolving the international dispute over North Korea’s pursuit of atomic weapons would clear the way for talks on human rights abuses, which activists say are overshadowed by the nuclear dispute.

“A positive development on that front will contribute to the space for humanitarian action,” Muntarbhorn said.

“There are many possibilities once we nurture a sense of mutual confidence to positive dialogue.”

His comments came just days before the six nations involved in the nuclear stand-off are expected to resume negotiations in Beijing.

The countries – North Korea, South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia – haven’t met on the matter for more than a year, and are expected to open talks on Monday.

North Korea routinely tops the lists of countries cited by activists for human rights abuses.