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Moscow hopes North Korea will abandon attempts towards nuclear status — FM

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that deploying US missile defense systems on the Korean Peninsula would deal blow to security and stability

MOSCOW, April 27./TASS/. Moscow expects that Pyongyang will realize that attempts to win recognition of its nuclear status are illusory, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the 5th Moscow International Security Conference.

"The development of the situation on the Korean peninsula gives rise to deep concern. We expect that Pyongyang will refrain from irresponsible activity and will realize that attempts to achieve recognition of its nuclear status are illusory," Lavrov said.

"At the same time, we see as an extremely dangerous a bid of certain states to use this situation as a pretext for building up their presence in the region," the top diplomat said.

Missile defense system on Korean Peninsula will deal blow to security and stability

The minister also pointed out that deploying US missile defense systems on the Korean Peninsula would deal blow to security and stability.

"We consider this (creating a source of tension in the region by North Korea) for building up military presence in North East Asia as very dangerous and counterproductive," Lavrov said.

"Actions of US and their allies in the sphere of establishing a global missile defense system remain a considerable factor of instability. Lifting concerns around the Iranian nuclear program did not lead to adjustment of these plans," the foreign minister noted. "Deploying a missile defense system in North Eastern Asia - on the Korean Peninsula - will deal a new blow to regional security and stability," he added.