Russia Calls for Subtle Diplomacy over DPRK Crisis

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, January 07, 2003

Russia Calls for Subtle Diplomacy over DPRK Crisis

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Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov on Monday called for "subtle diplomacy" to defuse tension over the nuclear projects of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Interfax news agency reported.

The minister said Russia wants stability on the Korean peninsula. He said, "We border the DPRK and it is in our interest that everything there was predictable,"

"The problem must be dealt with by diplomatic means only. At present it is necessary to use subtle diplomacy," Interfax quotedIvanov as saying.

Ivanov said Russia supported a nuclear-free status of the Korean Peninsula, adding that "there should be guarantees of international control over Pyongyang's nuclear programs."

However, he stressed that "the nuclear programs themselves do not necessarily mean nuclear weapons."

It is necessary to provide the DPRK with unambiguous and strongguarantees of security, otherwise, the situation could be unpredictable, said the minister.

"Russia is willing to extend all possible aid, assistance and mediation in settling the situation surrounding Pyongyang," he added.

The standoff began in early December, when the DPRK announced to restart its nuclear facilities to produce electricity because the United States had halted fuel deliveries in violation of a 1994 agreement. It has removed monitoring seals and cameras from its nuclear facilities at Yongbyon and expelled U.N. inspectors.

The DPRK says it is willing to resolve concerns over its nuclear program if the United States signs a nonaggression treaty,but Washington has ruled out any talks before Pyongyang changes course.

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