MOSCOW, February 14 (Itar-Tass) – Moscow urges the parties, which show interest in settling the situation on the Korean Peninsula, to refrain from violent steps, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Thursday.
“As for the Republic of Korea’s military preparations, I can stress that we voice serious concern about the situation on the Korean Peninsula. This is also related to the December missile launch and Pyongyang’s latest nuclear test,” Lukashevich said.
“It is important that all states in the region show maximum restraint,” the diplomat stressed.
“I want to recall that from the very beginning we did not hide our negative attitude towards the October 5 agreements, which were reached between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea to expand Seoul’s missile possibilities. We cannot laud these agreements under which Seoul can deploy missiles with the range of 800 kilometres,” he said.
“We are convinced that the unique way is to give up the use of force as the only method to ensure security. We call for resuming the six-party talks in order to form a peace and stability zone in Southeast Asia. We call on all parties to refrain from new actions, which can aggravate the situation on the peninsula, and discuss a possibility to return to the negotiating process,” the spokesman said.
“Mass media reports saying North Korea would inform only the Republic of Korea and the U.S. about the nuclear test are far from reality. Russia was informed on the upcoming test. In response we urge North Korea to refrain from this step in order not to pose a threat to peace and security in the region,” Lukashevich noted.
“At present, jointly with our colleagues we continue the efforts aimed at settling the nuclear problem and other issues on the Korean Peninsula by political and diplomatic means,” he said.