(LEAD) U.N. chief calls for resuming dialogue with N. Korea

(ATTN: UPDATES with details, CHANGES headline)
By Lee Haye-ah

SEOGWIPO, South Korea, May 26 (Yonhap) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday called for engaging North Korea in talks, saying he stands ready to contribute in any way he can.

Ban made the call at the opening of a forum on the southern resort island of Jeju, saying tensions on the Korean Peninsula are one of the greatest challenges to global action and regional cooperation.

"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has recently taken worrying actions," he said in his keynote speech, using North Korea's official name.

North Korea was slapped with toughened sanctions in March under a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in response to its fourth nuclear test in January and long-range rocket launch a month later.

"I encourage the DPRK to cease any further provocations and return to full compliance with its international obligations," Ban said. He warned that the North's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles would only undermine its own security and hurt its own citizens.

The U.N. chief, however, left the door open to talks.

"I welcome efforts to move forward and stand ready to contribute in any way that might be helpful," he said, adding that "we must find the path back to dialogue."

Ban accused the North of systematic abuses of human rights and demanded the North Korean authorities "correct these wrongs."

"Good relations between the two Koreas are essential for lasting peace, not only on the Korean Peninsula but also throughout the region," he said.

hague@yna.co.kr
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