North Korea has not yet allowed the entry of a U.N. resident coordinator appointed nearly six months ago, a U.N. official said Tuesday, noting discussions with Pyongyang still continue over the return of international staff to the reclusive country.

In March, Joe Colombano of Italy assumed his role as the coordinator for the North in an appointment that the U.N. said was confirmed by Pyongyang. But he and dozens of other U.N. personnel have yet to enter North Korea to resume their work in the North.

Observers said that the North has been in need of international assistance particularly considering heavy damage that it suffered from recent downpours, not to mention chronic food shortages.

“We continue to discuss with the (North Korean) government the timing and modalities for the return of international staff in Pyongyang,” an official at the U.N. Development Coordination Office told Yonhap News Agency via email.

“The United Nations remains ready to resume operations for the implementation of the Strategi
c Framework for Cooperation between the United Nations and the Government of the DPRK, as soon as a reentry in the country will be agreed with the authorities,” the official added. DPRK stands for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The strategic framework is designed to address a series of key issues for North Korea, including food and nutrition security and social development services.

The North has eased anti-COVID-19 measures, allowing the entry of some visitors and diplomats this year. But its border still remains partially closed.

U.N. officials said earlier that there are some 50 North Korean personnel working for the U.N. team in North Korea, while some 25 international staffers are on standby to return to the North.

Source: Yonhap News Agency