UN chiefs tell North Korea that renewed dialogue is only way to improve relations with South

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N.'s chiefs are telling North Korea that "renewed engagement and dialogue" is the only way to promote better relations with South Korea.

U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Wednesday that Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson emphasized Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's support for renewed North-South talks during a meeting with North Korea's deputy U.N. ambassador, Ja Song Nam.

Haq said Eliasson "took note" of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's call for dialogue on New Year's Day during Tuesday's meeting with Ja.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye has said she is willing to meet Kim but stressed that North Korea must take steps toward ending its nuclear weapons program for any discussions to be productive.

Haq said the U.N. "stands ready to support efforts to facilitate peace and stability in the region."