Former chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix says the key to resolving the nuclear issues in North Korea and Iran is to persuade the two countries to abandon all activities that enable the production of bomb-grade nuclear materials.

According to the Thai Daily "The Nation," Blix made the remarks in Bangkok at a lecture organized by the Peace Corps on Tuesday.

Blix went on to say that the nuclear ambitions of North Korea and Iran could be altered through close negotiations. But he was quick to add that the two nations will have to be provided with incentives, including economic assistance to alleviate their chronic poverty, in return for nuclear disarmament.