Ban Ki-moon, the U.N. Secretary General-designate, says that he will select a neutral and impartial person to be the special envoy on North Korea's nuclear issue.

Speaking with South Korean reporters in France, the South Korean foreign minister said the new U.N. envoy should come from a country that has no immediate interest or stake in North Korean affairs.

He did not mention specific candidates. However, his remarks suggest that citizens from the six-party talks member nations will not be considered for appointment to the post.

The career diplomat from South Korea was selected to lead the United Nations after Kofi Annan steps down in January.

He visited France to discuss pending international issues with President Jacques Chirac.