Nuclear power: Lavrov urge parties in Korean Peninsula to show maximum restraint

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday, urged all parties involved in the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue to show maximum restraint in order to avoid the implementation of negative military scenarios.

According to a Russian Foreign Ministry statement, Lavrov made the call during a meeting with his North Korean counterpart Ri Yong-ho, in Manila, Philippines, where they arrived to participate in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) events.

“The two sides exchanged views on important issues of bilateral relations development, discussed the current situation on the Korean Peninsula in the context of ensuring security in Northeast Asia.

“Lavrov urged all parties involved to show maximum restraint in order to avoid the implementation of negative military scenarios on the Korean Peninsula and immediately start looking for a politico-diplomatic settlement through a comprehensive solution of the problems of the peninsula, including its denuclearisation,” the ministry said.

In a related development, North Korea will not discuss denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula as long as the nuclear threat and hostility on the part of the U.S. remain.

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According to a statement of the country’s government published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA): “as long as the nuclear threat and intrigues against the republic persist, no matter who says what, we will not discuss defensive forces of nuclear deterrence.

“We will not turn off the already chosen path of strengthening the nuclear power of the state,” the statement said.

On Saturday, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2371, which further tightens sanctions imposed on North Korea.

The restrictions put a ban on coal, iron, iron ore, lead and seafood imports from the Asian nation to UN member states.

Council also prohibited UN members from setting up joint ventures with North Korean entities or individuals, or increasing the number of North Korean workers engaged in projects within any member state.