Moscow, Feb 15: Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov today called for the crisis over North Korea's nuclear programme to be handled through diplomatic channels.
After meeting with Soon-Hyung Chough, the South Korean President's special envoy, Ivanov said that all measures must be undertaken to "return the situation on the Korean peninsula to a political channel," reported the state-owned news agency.
"Russia is ready to actively participate further in resolving the situation," Ivanov was quoted as saying.
On Thursday, Russia criticized the UN nuclear watchdog agency's decision to refer the standoff over North Korea's nuclear programme to the UN Security Council.
The International Atomic Energy Agency's move could open the way for punishing sanctions, which the North has said it would consider an act of war.
Russia has good ties with North Korea and is trying to mediate the standoff.
Bureau Report
