CTBTO Willing To Join Int'l Efforts Seeking N.Korea Denuclearization - Executive Secretary

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) has enough capacity to make its contribution in the international efforts to denuclearize North Korea, Lassina Zerbo, the CTBTO executive secretary, told Sputnik Monday on the sidelines of the 15th annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club.

SOCHI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2018) The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) has enough capacity to make its contribution in the international efforts to denuclearize North Korea, Lassina Zerbo, the CTBTO executive secretary, told Sputnik Monday on the sidelines of the 15th annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club.

"We have the resources and expertise to do in-field measurements that could contribute to what the international community wants to do in the DPRK. We do in-field measurements, we have expertise as well that we developing through the on-site inspection capability," Zerbo said.

Zerbo added that the CTBTO was ready, if requested, to provide its expertise to confirm that the North Korean nuclear test site had been dismantled indeed.

"Here we are not talking about on-site inspection, we are talking about how our expertise and resources can contribute to proof checking that the nuclear test site is closed. I think we have equipment for it, we have expertise for it. If our member states deem necessary that we should play a role, that we should contribute, we will be there just to be that little puzzle piece that can make the movement necessary," Zerbo stated.

According to the CTBTO executive secretary, the organization can also assist North Korea in terms of legal expertise and provide the country with information about the ratification of the CTBT.

"The legal framework that is there, the discussion that we have with the different foreign ministries, with the legal department to show what steps need to be taken before they join ... There is a lot that the legal department in the CTBTO can do with experts in North Korea to see what they gain and what they should do in joining an international treaty like the CTBT," Zerbo indicated.

The situation on the Korean peninsula has significantly improved over the past few months, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in having held several meetings. In June, Kim also reached an agreement with US President Donald Trump, stipulating that North Korea would make efforts to promote complete denuclearization of the peninsula in exchange for US-South Korean military drills' freeze and a potential removal of US sanctions.

Earlier in October, the North Korean leader confirmed the dismantling of North Korea's Punggye Ri nuclear test site and invited inspectors to visit the country to verify that.