The United Nations and foreign embassies in North Korea were discussing their response to a proposal from Pyongyang asking that they consider leaving the country over safety concerns, a UN spokesman said.
"We are all aware of the latest development," said UN spokesman Martin Nesirky. He said the UN and embassy personnel were attending a meeting at the foreign ministry in Pyongyang late Friday to discuss the situation, dpa reported.
"UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is studying the message and the UN will respond as appropriate," Nesirky said. "The UN staff in North Korea will remain engaged in their humanitarian and development work throughout the country."
Ban is "deeply concerned by escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula," Nesirky said.