China ambassador says North Korean proposal merits study

FILE - In this March 2, 2016 file photo, Chinese ambassador to the United Nations Liu Jieyi, speaks during a Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters. Liu says a North Korea proposal under which Pyongyang would halt its nuclear program if the U.S. and South Korea suspend joint military exercises merits consideration. "I think anything, anything, any proposal, no matter where the proposal comes from, so long it is conducive to a negotiated solution that will contribute to denuclearization to peace and stability on the Korean peninsula should be studied very carefully," Liu said Friday, April 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File) (The Associated Press)

UNITED NATIONS – China's U.N. ambassador says a North Korea proposal under which Pyongyang would halt its nuclear program if the U.S. and South Korea suspend joint military exercises merits consideration.

"I think anything, anything, any proposal, no matter where the proposal comes from, so long it is conducive to a negotiated solution that will contribute to denuclearization to peace and stability on the Korean peninsula should be studied very carefully," Liu Jieyi said Monday.

He stressed the need for a multidimensional approach to the North Korea situation and said that sanctions and Security Council resolutions alone would not resolve the issue. He added countries could also work directly with North Koreans to diffuse tensions.

Liu made his remarks during a news conference wrapping up his month-long term as Security Council president.