Southeast Asian foreign ministers expressed grave concern Saturday about rising tensions on the Korean peninsula stemming from long-range missile tests by North Korea that "seriously threaten" global peace and security.

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) called for North Korea to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions on its nuclear programme and make a positive contribution to regional peace in a statement issued at the end of the foreign ministers meeting in Manila.

"We strongly call upon (North Korea) as a participant of the ASEAN Regional Forum, to positively contribute to realise the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) vision to maintain the Asia-Pacific as a region of lasting peace, stability, friendship and prosperity," said the ASEAN ministers.

source:Wam