Acting Foreign Minister Shin Kak-soo is urging North Korea to commit to its denuclearization pledge in order to avoid global sanctions and isolation.

In a speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Sunday, Shin said North Korean denuclearization will provide the opportunity to rescue its people from miserable human rights conditions.

He said resolving the North's nuclear issue is the most important task in establishing a peaceful community on the Korean Peninsula.

He said if Pyongyang does not abandon its nuclear ambitions, sustainable global peace will remain unattainable.

Shin also urged the North to acknowledge responsibility for sinking South Korea’s “Cheonan” warship in March and to refrain from additional provocations.