S. Korea, Russia express need for 'stronger' UNSC resolution against Pyongyang

SEOUL, Sept. 30 (Yonhap) -- The top nuclear envoys of South Korea and Russia shared the view that a stronger U.N. Security Council resolution is necessary to punish North Korea for its continued military provocations, a foreign ministry source said Friday.

Kim Hong-kyun, special representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at South Korea's foreign ministry, and his Russian counterpart Igor Morgulov held bilateral talks in Moscow on Thursday (local time) to discuss the North Korea issue, according to the source.

"Both sides exchanged their assessment of the grave situations prompted by the North's fifth nuclear test and had an in-depth discussion on how to respond," he said on condition of anonymity. "Russia shared our concerns and reaffirmed its stance that it will not recognize the North as a nuclear weapons state under any circumstances."

He said that Russia agreed that the North's reckless provocations warrant a "stronger" UNSC resolution that should be adopted "in a swift fashion." He promised to "actively" participate in relevant efforts and processes.

They also had a consensus that it is important to "faithfully" enforce existing UNSC resolutions, including the latest Resolution 2270 adopted in March in the wake of its fourth nuclear test, he noted.

"The two agreed to keep strategic communication and cooperation in its countermeasures, including action being pursued at the UNSC level," the source said.

kokobj@yna.co.kr
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