U.N. secretary general expresses concern over N. Korea

PARIS, June 20 Kyodo

U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan on Tuesday expressed concern over the situation in North Korea in comments after a meeting with French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin.

Annan responded to a reporter's question by saying that he hoped North Korean leaders will listen to what world leaders are saying, adding that they must be careful not to create a situation that is even more complicated on the Korean Peninsula.

Japan and the United States have been on alert over the possibility that North Korea may test-launch a Taepodong-2 missile capable of reaching the continental United States, amid recent reports that North Korea appeared to have completed fueling the missile.

The launch would break a moratorium it agreed to with the United States in 1999.

Both countries have urged Pyongyang not to go ahead with the test, saying there could be serious consequences, including bringing the issue before the U.N. Security Council.

Annan has repeatedly underscored his support for a negotiated solution to the nuclear crisis, through the six-party talks involving Japan, the United States, Russia, China and the two Koreas during his recent visit to East Asia, U.N. spokesperson Marie Okabe said at a daily press briefing in New York.

In response to a question about what the world body is doing to deal with North Korea, the spokesperson said Annan has ''made clear his concerns and his support for six-party talks and articulated a clear position on nuclear nonproliferation.''

During his Paris visit, Annan visited with a range of French leaders, including the defense minister, and attended the inauguration of the new Musee du Quai de Branly.

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