UN calls for de-escalation of tension on Korean Peninsula

The UN called for practical steps to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula, saying that the situation on the Korean Peninsula continues to head in the wrong direction due to "the negative action-reaction cycle."The Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Khaled Khiari said in a speech to the UN Security Council that "the DPRK needs to take immediate steps to resume dialogue leading to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula; this should include the DPRK refraining from carrying out further launches using ballistic missile technology or nuclear tests."Khiari affirmed the need to avoid an unintended escalation indicating that "Communication channels must be enhanced, particularly military to military. Avoiding confrontational rhetoric will help to lower political tensions and create space to explore diplomatic avenues.""Diplomacy not isolation - is the only way forward." he added.In this context, the UN official welcomed the Council's commitment to a peaceful, comprehensive, diplomatic and peaceful solution."We welcome the Security Council's commitment to a peaceful, comprehensive, diplomatic, and political solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the importance the Council has placed on working to reduce tensions," Khiari said.On Monday, the South Korean announced that North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, one day after South Korea and the US staged joint air drills, involving B-1B bombers, in response to the North's long-range missile launch.The launch is the third of its kind this year and came two days after Pyongyang launched its Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and short-range ballistic missile on Jan 1.