Asia-Pacific

Russia urges caution after nuclear test

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-10-24 17:13

ST PETERSBURG, Russia - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday cautioned other participants in talks on North Korea against taking hasty steps that could inflame the situation following Pyongyang's October 9 nuclear test.

Lavrov, speaking in St Petersburg, recalled Moscow had urged North Korea to show maximum restraint and return to negotiations with South Korea, the United States, Russia, China and Japan.

"In Moscow, it is hoped that all participants in the negotiations will proceed from similar positions and will not undertake any steps that could heat up the atmosphere," he told reporters at a conference in Russia's second city.

He also expressed hope Pyongyang would not carry out a second nuclear test.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had indicated in talks last week with a Chinese envoy that Pyongyang had no plans for a second test.

But he said Kim had indicated that it might take further steps in response to external pressure.