UN chief Ban Ki-moon concerned over tensions in Korean Peninsula

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and has called on the parties to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions.

"The Secretary-General has closely followed the reports of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. He is deeply concerned by this recent development," Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Eri Kaneko told reporters here yesterday.

She said the UN Chief urges the parties to refrain from taking any further measures that might increase tensions.

"He also calls on the parties to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions and to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," she added.

In rising tensions, North Korea has warned that it was prepared to risk "all-out war" with leader Kim Jong-Un putting his troops on combat readiness.

An exchange of artillery fire has put the South Korean army on maximum alert.