UN staff continuing work in North Korea

United Nations, April 5: The United Nation (UN) says its staff is continuing to work in North Korea while Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon studies a message from North Korea saying the world body should consider evacuating UN personnel from the country.

UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said a UN representative joined diplomats at a meeting on Friday afternoon in Pyongyang where the North's foreign ministry delivered the message.

"The secretary-general is studying the message and the United Nations will respond as appropriate," Nesirky said. He said UN staff "remain engaged in their humanitarian and developmental work throughout the country."

The UN says it has 36 international staff and 21 national staff working for seven UN agencies and programs, plus family members.

Nesirky reiterated Ban's concern at escalating tensions spurred by North Korea's recent nuclear threats.